Vaccine is recalled

Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Srl said it had been alerted to a sterility issue in the solvent for its Menjugate Kit, which is from Italy and distributed in the UK.

At least two GP surgeries in Shropshire use this particular vaccine, along with three practices in Telford & Wrekin.

A spokesman for Shropshire County Primary Care Trust said today that the vaccine had been withdrawn purely as a precautionary measure and no patients were at risk.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency also said that no children were believed to be at risk from the solvent and emphasised it had been recalled purely as a precautionary measure.

A spokeswoman for the MHRA said some samples had tested positive for the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, but these had not been brought over to the UK.

However, the two batches which have been distributed have had to be recalled nonetheless for further tests to be carried out and comparisons to be drawn.

"The tested samples that failed the sterility test were part of a non-routine study undertaken by the company and were not part of the UK market product," she said.

About 20,000 vials are believed to have been distributed to doctors' surgeries around the country, but it is not known how they have been spread out.

The vaccination has only been available in the UK since January.