Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Branswell Reports On GSK Vaccine Allergic Reactions

 

 

# 4075

 

 

Helen Branswell, medical and science correspondent for the Canadian Press, tracks down what is known about the suspect batch of GSK vaccine which has been pulled from use in Canada due to excess allergic reactions, and answers some questions about anaphylaxis.

 

For my American readers, THIS RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO U.S. VACCINES. 

 

While answers about this batch of vaccine are still in short supply, Ms. Branswell asks and answers a number of general questions about anaphylaxis and vaccines.    

 

As with any Branswell article, this is well worth reading.

 

 

GSK says still no answer on whether H1N1 vaccine batch triggers more reaction

By Helen Branswell Medical Reporter (CP)

TORONTO — The investigation into whether a batch of H1N1 vaccine may have triggered a higher-than-normal rate of allergic reactions hasn't yet come up with answers, vaccine manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline said Tuesday.

 

And health officials in Quebec said they are still trying to determine if the death of an elderly man who died of anaphylaxis after receiving a pandemic flu shot was triggered or hastened by the vaccination.

 

"Investigations being undertaken by GSK, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) have not yet been completed," GSK spokesperson Megan Spoore said in an email about the pulled batch of vaccine.

(Continue . . . )