2008-35
March 3, 2008
OTTAWA - Health Canada has recently completed its review of Merck Frosst's reports pertaining to a lot (1529U) of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine potentially associated with six cases of suspected anaphylaxis in young adults in Alberta during November and December 2007. The review found no link between this vaccine lot and the adverse events in Alberta.
Based on this information, the suspension of this lot (1529U) and two other associated lots (1528U and 1680U) have been lifted and are available for use by provinces and territories to vaccinate both adults and children requiring MMR immunization. Health Canada had asked provincial and territorial health authorities and all other Canadian vaccine providers on December 11, 2007 not to use these lots of the MMR-II vaccine sold by Merck Frosst Canada. At that time, Health Canada requested that Merck Frosst Canada provide a written report on any manufacturing or safety problems associated with Lot 1529U and its bulk components to complement other ongoing investigative efforts.
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada continue to monitor the safety of the MMR II vaccine and will inform Canadians if new safety information arises. They will also continue to examine all potential causes for the reported unusual frequency of anaphylaxis and will advise on any possible preventive action, if deemed necessary.
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.
For more information on MMR II vaccine, see Health Canada's December 2007 Public Advisory regarding the suspension of the MMR II vaccine.
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