15 April 2004

Recall of Rabies Vaccine BP

Aventis Pasteur MSD are recalling a batch of Rabies Vaccine (Batch Number X-0071-6) which has been distributed in the UK since February 2004.

Routine testing of a batch of Rabies Vaccine identified non-inactivated virus in a single product lot. This batch of vaccine was not distributed, and as a precautionary measure, Aventis Pasteur are recalling other batches of vaccine which were produced during the same period of time. In the UK only batch X0071-6 of Rabies Vaccine BP is being recalled. Other batches available in the UK and rabies vaccine from other suppliers are not affected by the recall.

All the batches of rabies vaccine that have been distributed have passed all the quality assurance tests required in Europe and the US, including a test to confirm that the virus has been inactivated. The recall of vaccine is being carried out as a precaution.

Further details including information on recommendations for those who have received rabies vaccine from the recalled batch is available from the Health Protection Agency, Aventis Pasteur and the Department of Health:

http://www.hpa.org.uk
http://www.info.doh.gov.uk/doh/embroadcast.nsf
http://www.apmsd.co.uk/

Further queries can also be directed to Aventis Pasteur Medical Information on 0800 7311654