On December 12, Merck voluntarily recalled approximately one million doses of its vaccines that help protect children from meningitis and other illnesses.
Eleven lots of the haemophilus b conjugate (PedvaxHIB) and two lots of the combination haemophilus b and Hepatitis B conjugate (Comvax) distributed in the US, as well as vaccine lots within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) stockpile, are affected by this recall. Sanofi Pasteur also manufactures the vaccine, and has agreed to increase its production to compensate.
The presence of the bacteria B cereus was found during routine testing of Merck's manufacturing equipment. However, tests of the vaccine lots have not discovered any contamination. There have not been any vaccine-related problems reported through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. The affected doses were distributed in the US beginning in April 2007.
The CDC's press release, including a listing of the affected lots and instructions for returns, can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/recalls/hib-recall-faqs-12-12-07.htm.
Michael Daines, MD, discusses pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome
June 12th 2025Michael O. Daines, MD, outlines key diagnostic criteria and treatment challenges for pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary care and improved treatment access.
Staphylococcus aureus risk in infants and neonatologist considerations with Aaron Milstone, MD
June 12th 2025Aaron Milstone, MD, MHS, emphasizes the role of pediatricians in educating families on infection prevention practices for infants in the NICU, where Staphylococcus aureus remains a serious threat.