North Carolina’s Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine supply has been affected by the recent voluntary recall of 10 lots of Hib vaccine and two lots of a combination Hib and Hepatitis B vaccine. While the recall does affect the state’s vaccine supply, it will not require reimmunization of children who have received the affected vaccine.

The State’s Universal Vaccine Program received and shipped 86,610 doses from the affected lots of Hib vaccine. The State program does not distribute the combination vaccine. Providers who have received recalled vaccines are in the process of being contacted and are being asked to immediately discontinue use of any of the affected lots and to return the recalled vaccine to the manufacturer.

CDC is not recommending revaccination of children in this situation. There is no evidence that the effectiveness of this vaccine has been compromised. As a precautionary measure, parents whose children have recently received a dose of the recalled vaccine should watch for any signs of infection such as redness and swelling at the injection site within seven days of receiving the vaccine. If an unusual reaction is noticed, parents should contact their doctor or health care provider.

There has been no increase in reported adverse events nationally or in North Carolina associated with this recalled vaccine. If you are aware of any adverse events, please report them through the VAERS website at www.vaers.hhs.gov.

The vaccine is being recalled as a preventative measure because the manufacturing company, Merck, cannot assure sterility of the ten lots. Sterility tests of samples from the recalled lots have not found any contamination and the potential of contamination of any individual dose of vaccine is very low.