Press Releases

SFH on US recall of swine flu vaccine

Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session before attending a Legislative Council meeting today (December 16):

Reporter: Will Hong Kong have any corresponding measures now that the United States has ordered a recall of the swine flu vaccine ?

Secretary for Food and Health: First of all, I think the product recalled in the United States is very different from the one ordered by Hong Kong, although it is produced by the same vaccine company. But this is actually a world-wide company. It has many factories and this product is actually produced in the factory in the United States rather than in France. Those we have ordered come from France and has complied entirely with the standards as required. The second thing is relating to the reason for recall. As far as we know, it is related to the decrease in the antigenicity of the vaccine after it has been produced. So I think this is very different from what we have in Hong Kong. This is a single-vial type of preparation and the one in Hong Kong is actually a multi-vial type of preparation. So, it is entirely different and it is quite safe for Hong Kong and also effective for Hong Kong to continue the vaccination programme.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)


Ends/Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:09

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