Immunization Newsbriefs (c) Copyright Information Inc., Bethesda, MD. Brought to you by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). Visit NNii's new website at http://www.immunizationinfo.org.

------------------------------------------------------------

February 10, 2003

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Private Clinics Botched Children's Vaccines--Report"

Press Association (UK) (www.pressassociation.press.net) (02/09/03); Hurst, Pat

Two British private clinics reportedly have administered toddlers' single-shot vaccinations improperly, which means that approximately 1,000 children may not be protected against rubella, measles, or mumps.  In addition, the vaccines may have been contaminated.  The parents of the children paid the private clinics, which are run by Lifeline Care, for individual vaccinations, and the local National Health Service Trust in Hertfordshire says that the clinics changed the normal procedure by pre-preparing vaccine batches so more children could be vaccinated. Lifeline medical director Dr. David Pugh says that "common practice" was followed in making up the vaccines and that they were used within the six-hour time limit recommended, but the clinics have since gone back to the manufacturer's recommended instructions.  Trust public health director Dr. Joel Bonnet says he has not heard of any of the affected children actually becoming ill with any of the three diseases.

Vaccination News Home Page

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.