Vaccines deemed safe

News Release
NWHU

The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is advising that Health Canada has lifted the temporary suspension on distribution and use of two influenza vaccine products:
- Fluad
- Agriflu
Health Canada looked at the results of its own testing, conducted a health risk assessment, and reviewed information from its European partners and data submitted by Novartis in making its decision. None of the information reviewed indicated a safety issue. Health Canada indicates that the vaccine batches with the observed floating particles were never released by Novartis.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is now advising health care professionals in possession of these vaccines that they can start using them once again.
The two vaccines can be used, provided the cold-chain was maintained.
As always, those administering the vaccines are reminded to follow existing labelling directions as well as allowing the vaccine to come to room temperature before use. The products should also be shaken and checked for any white floating material before they are injected.