Some H1N1 Flu Shots Recalled

About 800,000 doses of H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine for children are being recalled, U.S. health officials say. The vaccine is safe, and was strong enough when shipped, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. However, more recent tests showed the vaccine has lost strength over time. It now is slightly less strong than the government requires. The shots were made by Sanofi Pasteur. Most of them probably have been used. Children who already have received the shots should be protected, the CDC said. They don’t need to repeat the dose. The recalled shots are used for children 6 months to 3 years old. All are in pre-filled syringes that do not contain the preservative thimerosal. The recall does not affect vaccine packaged in other ways, the CDC said. The Associated Press wrote about the recall December 15.