Baxter Recalls 300,000 Preflucel Vaccines For Influenza

Posted on 10. Nov, 2011 by Louise MacLean in Lifestyle

Drug maker Baxter has been forced to recall over 300,000 flu vaccines due to devastating side-effects.

November 10, 2011- The company known for its tainted avian flu vaccines is recalling flu vaccines for the many serious adverse side effects they cause. The vaccine, Preflucel, is being pulled back because of adverse events. Side effects reported have included muscle pain, fatigue and headaches. This particular vaccine was made for those that have allergies to eggs and has just been in use since this past March when first approved in the UK.

“Because this particular batch has created more side effects it is being recalled,” said a spokesperson from Baxter. Baxter is also telling healthcare professionals not to use any more Preflucel regardless of the batch it is was from. After hearing the announcement, many countries throughout Europe, where the vaccine has been distributed, are stopping its use.

The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said, “No batch of Preflucel should be used and any stock from the recalled batches needs to be returned to the supplier for credit.”

Baxter is relieved that no information has been released to the public as to why there has been an increase in side effects with the vaccine. Officials at Baxter have announced that those who have already been vaccinated with the vaccine are safe. However, if the vaccine has such side effects that it has been recalled and all further use stopped, how safe can it really be?

Tags: drugs, flu, flu shot, flu vaccine, Preflucel, vaccine