The administration of vaccines Fluad and Agriflu are temporarily on hold in Prince Edward Island. Similar to other provinces, this decision follows a Health Canada recommendation that these two flu vaccines, made by the pharmaceutical firm Novartis, should be halted pending a review of the discovery of clumping of particles in the vaccine in Europe.
“Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to stay healthy during the flu season, and Islanders who have already had the influenza vaccine are not at risk and should not be concerned,” said Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Morrison. “Health Canada has rigorously tested the vaccines before they were distributed, and they continue to monitor their impact and effectiveness. I want to reassure Islanders that here in Prince Edward Island and across the country, we have seen no unusual or unexpected effects from these vaccines.”
The Public Health Agency of Canada indicates that it has received no reports of unexpected adverse events related to these vaccines. However, as a precautionary step, Health Canada asked Novartis to hold the distribution of the vaccines in Canada until a full review of the situation is completed. According to Health Canada, clumping of the kind noted in Europe is common in vaccines and Health Canada has previously seen such particles before in other vaccines.
“This hold may result in a temporary delay of our immunization clinics; however, our office is working on an alternate supply of vaccine and we hope that any delay will be minimal,” said Dr. Morrison.
Updated information regarding influenza immunization clinics in Prince Edward Island will be provided when available and posted online at www.gov.pe.ca/flu
More information is also available from Health Canada at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2012/2012_162-eng.php