1. Which vaccine is being recalled from the market?
Merck Sharp Dohme (MSD) has recalled, under the supervision of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), 8 batches of VAQTA Paediatric prefilled syringes containing 25 units/0.5 ml of inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine. The affected batches are:
HK 13160, HK 47640, HL 38670, HL 76390, HM 17190, HM 38870, HN 45840, HP 01860.
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2. Why was the recall effected?
MSD has recalled the above-mentioned batches of VAQTA Paediatric prefilled syringes as a precautionary measure. Recent investigations have found some of these syringes with potencies below the product specifications.
All doctors in Singapore have been informed by MSD on its recall of the affected batches of VAQTA Paediatric prefilled syringes.
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3. What is Hepatitis A vaccine?
Hepatitis A vaccine contains inactivated units of hepatitis A and is indicated for active immunization against hepatitis A infection.
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4. What is Hepatitis A infection?
Hepatitis A infections are caused by some strains of hepatitis virus that attack the liver. These infections are commonly contracted through eating shellfish taken from sewage-contaminated water. It can also be acquired by close contact with individuals infected with the virus. Infections from Hepatitis A virus are usually mild, especially in the case of children. They generally appear between 2 and 6 weeks after exposure to the virus. It is the least serious of the hepatitis virus (for example, Hepatitis B and C can cause more serious liver damage) and the Hepatitis A infection never becomes chronic unlike some of the other hepatitis viruses.
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5. If I have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis A, must I get a vaccination?
Hepatitis A is not a major public health problem in Singapore due to our high standard of environmental hygiene and sanitation. Vaccination is not necessary for most people.
Travellers to countries with poor sanitation may run a higher risk of infection with Hepatitis A and may consider getting the vaccine. If you have not been immunized, it is advisable to consult a doctor on the matter. The doctor will assess your needs depending on where you intend to travel to and your social and working habits.
Travellers to countries with poor sanitation may run a higher risk of infection with Hepatitis A and may consider getting the vaccine. If you have not been immunized, it is advisable to consult a doctor on the matter. The doctor will assess your needs depending on where you intend to travel to and your social and working habits.
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6. If I have previously been injected with VAQTA, what should I do?
The batches affected are those used for the immunization of children and adolescents. These patients who have received the injections from the affected batches would have been vaccinated after September 1999. If your child or adolescent had been vaccinated earlier, there should be no cause for concern as the earlier batches do not have the same problems.
For those patients who have been vaccinated after September 1999, please check with the doctor or clinic where you obtained the vaccination as to whether the affected batch was given to you. The doctor will then decide if it is necessary to vaccinate you again to ensure that you have sufficient protection against Hepatitis A.
For those patients who have been vaccinated after September 1999, please check with the doctor or clinic where you obtained the vaccination as to whether the affected batch was given to you. The doctor will then decide if it is necessary to vaccinate you again to ensure that you have sufficient protection against Hepatitis A.
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7. Is it safe to be re-vaccinated with the Hepatitis A vaccine?
It is safe to be vaccinated with the vaccine provided you did not experience any allergic reactions previously with the vaccine. You may experience some side effects such as fever, soreness and swelling at the local injection site. If you experience other more serious side effects such as diarrhoea and vomiting or headache after the injection, please contact your doctor immediately.
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