5 April 2005: Update on the supply of Stamaril yellow fever vaccine

In response to the continuing shortage of yellow fever vaccine in the United Kingdom, Sanofi Pasteur MSD have imported their yellow fever vaccine that is normally distributed in France (French-pack Stamaril).

The only difference between the UK vaccine (Stamaril) and the French vaccine is in the packaging: the French vaccine has 'French livery', i.e. all packaging and information is written in French. Because of this packaging difference, these batches of French-pack Stamaril are considered unlicensed in the UK, even though the vaccine itself is the same as the Stamaril used in this country.

The importation of French-pack Stamaril has been approved by the Department of Health in the UK and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

French-pack Stamaril is a World Health Organization approved vaccine.

For further information please contact Sanofi Pasteur MSD medical information 01628-587-693.

The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and patient information leaflet for Stamaril can be found on the product information page of the Sanofi Pasteur MSD website. (Health professionals site, log-in required) http://www.apmsd.co.uk/login.asp?referrer=cat.asp%3Fcatid%3D126