Swine flu vaccine recall announced

The manufacturer of 2,400 doses of the H1N1 swine flu pediatric vaccine is recalling them because they have lower than required potency, the Nevada State Health Division announced.

Sanofi Pasteur Inc. is conducting a voluntary recall after testing revealed four lots of the syringes are below specifications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration agree that the decrease in antigen content won't result in a reduction in the immune response among those who've been vaccinated.

Carson City Health and Human Services didn't receive any of the affected lots.

"There are no safety concerns with these lots of H1N1 vaccine," Sate Health Officer Tracey D. Green said. "All of the affected lots successfully passed pre-release testing for purity, potency and safety. Parents of children who received vaccine from the recalled lots do not need to be revaccinated. All children under the age of 10 will still need to get their H1N1 booster shot, 28 days after receiving the inital shot."

Starting Friday, anyone who would like to receive a swine flu vaccine is eligible, according to the health department.

Before, vaccinations went to target populations, likely to come down with the flu.

The number of residents coming down with the confirmed cases of the swine flu has remained stable at 173. There were five additional cases statewide.

The rate of people seeking treatment for influenza-like illnesses is continuing to decrease, which is also occurring nationwide.