Second H1N1 vaccine recall announced

The Highlands County Health Department has been notified that there is a second non-safety-related voluntary recall of specific lots of nasal spray H1N1 vaccine.

MedImmune notified the CDC and FDA that during routine, ongoing stability testing that 13 lots of its nasal spray vaccine's potency decreased below the pre-specified limit, according to a press release. This recall only involves a slight decrease in potency and is not safety-related.

The vaccine is still extremely safe to receive, the health department said. Before being shipped, all lots passed specifications for safety, purity and potency. There are no safety concerns with these lots of H1N1 nasal spray vaccine.

Highlands County received 1,100 doses from the MedImmune manufacturer and these lots were among the first to be delivered to the counties and therefore have been administered when they were at full potency. Therefore, the CDC and FDA do not recommend revaccination of persons who received the vaccines included in these lots.

The health eepartment will notify all physicians and providers who received shipment of this vaccine, collect all unused doses with the specific lot number of the MedImmune nasal spray H1N1 vaccine and return it to the manufacturer.

The next H1N1 vaccination clinic that will be open to the general public will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday Jan. 8 at the Lakeshore Mall Meeting Place (in the Mall next to Kmart) in Sebring. The H1N1 vaccination is free. The seasonal influenza vaccine will also be available and costs $25. If you have Medicare part B, there is no charge. Bring your red, white and blue Medicare card.

For more information about the 2009 H1N1 virus, contact the Florida Flu Information Line 1-877-352-3581 or visit the Florida Department of Health's website: www.myflusafety.com