800,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine for children — including some in Douglas County — recalled due to lack of potency

Doses lack potency, but still expected to stop flu

Medical Reserve Corp volunteer Mayetta Cahill, Lawrence, prepares a syringe containing a dose of the H1N1 vaccination during the Douglas County H1N1 clinic Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds. Cahill, like others who volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corp are called to assist during a public health emergency.

About 800,000 doses of swine flu vaccine for children are being recalled because tests found the strength of the shots had dropped after being shipped, health officials announced Tuesday.

Despite the drop, the doses are expected to be fully effective in preventing H1N1 flu.

The recall was being done as a precaution and not because the vaccine poses any safety threat. The cause of the potency drop is being investigated.

The recalled vaccine comes in pre-filled syringes and is intended only for children between 6 months and 35 months of age.

“Parents of children who received vaccine from the recalled lots do not need to take any action, other than to complete the two-dose immunization series if this has not already been completed,” said Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, director of health for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Children who are younger than 10 years old should receive two doses about one month apart.

According to KDHE, 3,700 doses of the recalled vaccine were distributed to 25 Kansas counties, including Douglas, between Nov. 9 and Dec 6.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department gave 50 doses of the recalled vaccine and is returning 450 doses to the manufacturer.

Lisa Horn, spokeswoman for the local health department, said department officials wouldn’t be contacting those affected.

“We don’t want to cause further alarm because they don’t need to take any action. It’s not a safety issue,” Horn said.

Other area counties affected by the recall include Jefferson and Shawnee.

Kansans who have questions about the recall can contact the KDHE H1N1 hotline at (877) 427-7317, or visit www.kdheks.gov/h1n1 and click on “Individuals, Families and Communities.”