This next story relates to a different situation than Italy has identified and referred to in an earlier post above.

We must forgiven for wondering why all these different companies are having difficulties with the quality control of their flu vaccine productions this year.

One wonders if all other countries sourcing these vaccines are being as vigilant to the quality and safety of these vaccines as Italy is demonstrating.


Italy bans Novartis vaccines even after company assures their safety
Johnson & Johnson withholds its flu vaccine for tests on quality

October 24, 2012 | By Eric Palmer

Italy is having a difficult time getting flu vaccine. Italian authorities today said they are banning four different Novartis ($NVS) vaccines because of questions over "side effects" less than two weeks after being told by Johnson & Johnson ($JNJ) vaccine unit Crucell that its flu vaccine was being withheld over quality concerns.

The Italian Medicines Agency said it is "banning" the sale of Novartis' Aggripal, Fluad and Influpozzi, based on information it received from the company that the vaccines "can produce collateral effects," according to a report from AFP news. The agency said it would carry out further tests to determine the "quality and safety" of the nearly half a million doses of vaccine. It is recommending citizens not use Agrippal, Fluad, subunit Influpozzi and adjunvated Influpozzi until further notice.

Link here...

[link to www.fiercepharma.com]