Vietnam recalls batch of '6 in 1' vaccine
A batch of Infanrix vaccine that prevents 6 diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis B and HIB has just been decided to be recalled by GlaxoSmithKline Company in Vietnam because it is at risk of not meeting standards.
Illustration: PN
The Drug Administration of Vietnam (Ministry of Health) has sent an official dispatch to the Department of Health of provinces and cities to notify about this recall decision. The recalled vaccine batch has registration number QLVX-0374-10, batch number A21CB274A, imported by Saigon Pharmaceutical Company and distributed by Central Pharmaceutical Materials Joint Stock Company 2.
According to the manufacturer, the recall was made after an inspection in late September, which found a small amount of bacillus cereus bacteria on the surface of a vaccine preparation area. This bacteria is commonly found in soil and food, and can cause food poisoning and digestive disorders. However, the company still affirms that the recalled vaccine batch is safe, has passed quality tests, and meets sterility requirements.
In addition to Vietnam, the company also recalled Infanrix vaccine in 19 other countries around the world such as: Australia, Belgium, Greece, UK, Germany, France, Malaysia, Brazil, Canada...
The recall information has made many parents who have taken their children to get vaccinated with this vaccine extremely worried. Ms. Mai (Dinh Cong, Hanoi) shared: "My child has just finished 3 injections of this vaccine, I wonder if it's okay? Each injection costs 600,000 VND, 3 injections cost nearly 2 million. Spending that much money to get vaccinated, I thought I would be assured of the quality, but it turned out like this."
Also in a worried mood like Ms. Mai, Ms. Hoa, Gia Lam, Hanoi, wondered whether she should give her child the remaining two injections.
"My child has had a '6 in 1' injection, luckily it is not in the recalled batch. But I might not take him for the injection anymore, what if he has a problem after the injection and is recalled again?", Ms. Hoa said.
According to an expert from the Hanoi Center for Preventive Medicine, parents should not be too worried. This recall is only a precaution. Before being released, the vaccine was tested to ensure that it meets all new standards for circulation worldwide, not just in Vietnam. Not only that, when it enters our country, the Institute for Vaccine and Biological Testing (Ministry of Health) conducts further testing to ensure that the new standards allow circulation.
According to him, this vaccine was imported into Vietnam in November last year, and was fully vaccinated in February and March. It has been 7 months now, but there have been no cases of problems reported, and the same is true in the world. Therefore, parents can rest assured.
In addition, the recalled vaccine batch still ensures immune response and protection, so children who have been vaccinated do not need to be vaccinated again. Those who are in the middle of vaccination or have not been vaccinated should continue to be vaccinated to protect their children, the expert said.
Currently, in the expanded immunization program, there is only the "5 in 1" vaccine, the "6 in 1" type is a service vaccine, which also prevents hepatitis B.
According to (VnExpress.net)-M.D
