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Archived – Three Lots of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine Suspended from Use
- Starting date:
- December 11, 2007
- Posting date:
- December 11, 2007
- Type of communication:
- Advisory
- Subcategory:
- Biologic/vaccine
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Issue:
- Product Safety
- Audience:
- General Public
- Identification number:
- RA-110001792
Health Canada is advising provincial and territorial health authorities not to use three lots of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine while the Department investigates five suspected cases of anaphylaxis in Alberta patients receiving the product.
All cases were associated with lot 1529U of the MMR-II vaccine sold by MerckFrosst Canada, and involved young adults who had a previous history of allergy. All the individuals recovered upon treatment. The vaccinations took place during a catch-up campaign for young adults in the context of a mumps outbreak.
Health Canada has requested that MerckFrosst Canada provide a written report on any manufacturing or safety problems associated with Lot 1529U or its bulk components to complement other ongoing investigative efforts. Two additional lots (1528U and 1680U) that were made with the same materials were also sent to Alberta for the catch-up campaign and may be in use elsewhere in the country. Health Canada has requested that the use of these lots be temporarily suspended as well. In total, approximately 200,000 doses are affected.
Other lots of the MMR-II vaccine remain available for use throughout the country.
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada continue to monitor the safety of the MMR-II vaccine and will continue to inform Canadians if new safety information arises. Serious adverse events following MMR vaccination are rare. Despite millions of doses of the vaccine administered in Canada since 1988, there have been only 21 reports of anaphylaxis following immunization.
Canadians getting MMR-II vaccinations for themselves or their children should consult with their physician if they have any questions or concerns. Any serious or unexpected adverse reactions in patients receiving the MMR-II vaccine should be reported to their health care practitioner.
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