No major concern for flu shot after recall

By: Alexa Hansen Forson

Despite concerns over a suspended distribution of Novartis, Registered Nurse Lauren Deans at the Loyalist College Student Health Centre said the vaccine hasn’t been used at any of the flu shot clinics held at the school. The college is using Fluviral from GlaxoSmithKline.

Other media outlets reported Novartis, sold under the brand names FluAd and Agriflu, was pulled from clinics after reports of small clumps being found in the vaccine.

FluAd and Agriflu only account for 18 per cent of the vaccine supply in Ontario. Two other vaccines make up for the remaining 82 per cent.

Despite the recall, officials are saying anyone injected with the vaccine are not at risk and the small clumps found in the vaccine aren’t unusual. Reports of problems were first reported in Italy. Health Canada announced Friday all current Novartis vaccines were discontinued.

The college’s flu clinic opened October 15. Health Canada officials are saying the recall is not meant to scare people away from the vaccine and should still consider getting it.