Canada suspends dispersal of Novartis flu shots

Canada has asked flu shot maker Novartis to suspend distribution of its influenza vaccine in Canada.

The decision follows a similar move by several European countries after Novartis revealed it had found particles in some batches of its flu vaccines.

Dr. Paul Gully of Health Canada says the move is a precautionary one, which has been taken to give Canada time to investigate the situation.

Novartis makes only about 20 per cent of Canada’s annual flu vaccine purchase.

The particles are not believed to be contamination but rather tiny clumps of the viruses used in making the vaccine.

Typically flu vaccine should be clear, but occasionally proteins in the serum clump and become visible to the eye.

Will you be getting the shot ahead of flu season? Let us know in the comments below.

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