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July 8, 2002

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Batch of BCG Vaccine Is Not Potent Enough"

Irish Times (www.ireland.com) (07/06/02) P. 3; Houston, Muiris

The Irish Medicines Board has withdrawn a batch of BCG vaccine, which is used to prevent tuberculosis (TB), because the batch is not potent enough to be effective.  However, the 2,500 people who received the BCG vaccine from the batch in question are not at risk of any health problems other than less protection against developing TB.  The questionable BCG vaccine batch passed initial testing and was released to the market, but in additional testing, manufacturers discovered the problem.  All vaccines were withdrawn from the market to ensure potency, and the BCG vaccination program will resume once alternative supplies of the vaccine become available.

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