Health Canada lifts the suspension on Novartis vaccines

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

********************

Following a comprehensive review of Novartis vaccines, Health Canada has lifted the suspension of these products and released them for immediate use.

None of the information reviewed indicated a safety issue. The Public Health Agency of Canada has advised health care professionals that the type of clumping that had been reported is not uncommon in vaccines and does not pose a risk to health.

The Novartis vaccines will be reintroduced into the Health Unit’s vaccine inventory for use in community flu shot clinics scheduled throughout the North Bay - Parry Sound district. For more information about the flu clinic schedule or flu vaccines, visit healthunit.biz or call the Health Unit at 705-474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808.

Quote

“We are certainly pleased that the voluntary suspension of Novartis vaccines has been lifted. I believe that the process followed by Novartis and public health demonstrates that public safety is our primary concern. It exemplifies due diligence and transparency. The flu shot remains the most effective and safest way to protect you and your family from seasonal flu”.
Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health/Executive Officer

Quick Facts

 As a precaution, the use of Novartis vaccines (Agriflu and Fluad) was temporarily suspended last week pending a review by Health Canada.

 Health Canada conducted a review of test results, health risk assessments, information from European partners and Novartis data. None of the information reviewed indicated a safety issue.

 For more information about influenza vaccinations, visit:

 Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care: health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/publichealth/flu/

 Public Health Agency of Canada:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2012/2012_164-eng.php

********************