Typhoid Vaccination May Need Repeating

The Department of Health would like to notify people who received a Typhoid vaccination at the Department of Health between July 2011 and September 2012 that they may require repeat vaccination at some period in the next three years due to a recent recall of the vaccine.

A statement said: “The Department of Health was informed by the Sanofi Pasteur pharmaceutical company that it is voluntarily recalling its batches of Typhim Vi (Typhoid vaccine) which were manufactured in 2011 and 2012.

“This recall affects supplies of this vaccine which were distributed worldwide in the past year, including Bermuda. Sanofi Pasteur issued the recall after quality control testing indicated a lower concentration of the antigen component, and therefore lower efficacy of the affected batches. Distribution centers in France, the US and Canada have been asked to stop shipment and countries administering the vaccine have been asked to halt use of the identified stock.

“There is no safety issue associated with the quality of the vaccine, nor are those who received Typhoid vaccination between July 2011 and September 2012 at risk for any ill effects of the vaccine. The recall action is being taken to assure that only the most effective vaccines are in circulation in countries, and so that individuals visiting areas at high risk of Typhoid contamination pay extra attention to food and water hygiene to avoid contact with the bacterium.

“The Department of Health advises that if you will be travelling to an area of the world with poor sanitation, you should take special care to follow the hygiene precautions you would have been provided at the time of your immunization.

“Salmonella typhi, which causes Typhoid fever, is spread most commonly by consuming unclean water or food. Water or food contaminated by sewage is most at risk. In the developing countries of the world, where sanitation is not ideal and hand washing is difficult, the risk of exposure to Salmonella typhi is greatest. Regular hand washing, attention to food and beverage quality, and vaccination with Typhoid vaccine are the best protections from Typhoid fever for international travelers.

“The pharmaceutical company is completing its testing processes and will shortly advise countries of the best course of action regarding the need for repeat Typhoid vaccinations for travelers. Ordinarily the Typhoid vaccine confers protection from the bacterial infection for three years. It is likely that the affected vaccine protection is less than this period.

“The impact of the recall of Typhoid vaccine is that supplies will be diminished for the next several months and immunization programs will need to prioritize use of the remaining supplies which are not affected by the recall. Priority for Typhoid vaccination will be given to those travelling to areas at greatest risk for Typhoid fever outbreaks.

“For further information on prevention of Typhoid fever, see www.cdc.gov.”

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