Three lots of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine have been suspended by Health Canada after five cases of probable anaphylaxis in patients in Alberta are investigated. In all the five cases, patients had received vaccines from lot 1529U of the MMR-II vaccine sold by MerckFrosst Canada – all of them, young adults, had a history of allergy.
Fortunately, the patients have all recovered after receiving treatment. The vaccinations formed part of a catch-up campaign after a recent mumps outbreak among young adults.
As part of its ongoing investigation, Health Canada has asked MerckFrosst Canada to send written details on any safety or manufacturing problems linked to Lot 1529U or its bulk components. Two other lots, 1528U and 1680U, have been suspended as they were made with the same materials and also sent to Alberta as a top-up supply for the catch-up campaign. Authorities warn that it may be possible some vaccines from these lots have made their way to other parts of the country.
Health Canada stresses that it is only these three lots that have been suspended, 1529U, 1528U and 1680U. All other MMR-II vaccine lots sold by MerckFrosst Canada are not suspended or under any investigation.
Health Canada informs that serious adverse events after receiving MMR vaccinations are very rare. Since 1988 there have been just 21 reports of anaphylaxis following MMR vaccinations.
Written by – Christian Nordqvist