Tens of thousands of doses of the flu vaccinations are being recalled after two batches were found to be contaminated

Regulators have revealed that 160,000 doses of the Novartis vaccine, Agrippal, are being recalled after 'particles' were found in the vials.

A spokesman for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said there was no safety issue and the recall was a precaution.

It comes as GPs are in the middle of their annual flu vaccination programme, with millions of people aged over 65, and with long-term conditions being called in for their jab.

However officials said the recall should not affect supplies as there are 17 other flu vaccines available and other manufacturers should be able to cover the shortfall.

In total 18m doses of flu vaccine are ordered for the UK each year.
[link to www.telegraph.co.uk]