Merck Recalls 1M Doses of Vaccine for Kids

Drug company finds contamination at its Pennsylvania factory

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 12, 2007 7:14 PM CST

(Newser) – Merck is recalling almost a million doses of a childhood vaccine after it found evidence of contamination at one of its factories, the AP reports. The pharmaceutical giant says no children have been harmed after taking Hib, which prevents meningitis and pneumonia, but the company is recalling its 10 lots and two lots of a combination vaccine for both Hib and hepatitis B.

Merck stressed that the contamination was found in the factory, not in the drug itself. Hib is recommended for all children under age 5 and is usually given at age 2 months or later. Recently Merck has received its own shot in the arm, the AP notes. After settling 50,000 Vioxx lawsuits last month, it touted an upbeat assessment for analysts yesterday.

Offices of the Merck & Co. plant in Rahway, N.J., Merck's oldest plant, are seen in this July 19, 2002 file photo. (AP Photo/Mike Dere, file) (Associated Press)

Richard T. Clark, CEO & President, Merck & Co., speaks during an interview at the corporate headquarters. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, file) (Associated Press)

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Merck Recalls 1M Doses of Vaccine for Kids

Drug company finds contamination at its Pennsylvania factory

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Merck • Vioxx • meningitis • vaccine • pneumonia • pharmaceutical industry • hepatitis B • hib

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Merck Pays $950M to Settle Vioxx Charges

Feds accused company of illegal marketing

Court Tosses $32M Verdict Against Vioxx

Says evidence insufficient that it contributed to Texan's death

Disgraced Doctors Land at Big Pharma

Hundreds of pitchmen found to have blemished records

Drugmakers Hike Prices Ahead of Reform

9% rise, in a year of falling prices, will add $10B to drug spending

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Linked to 32 Deaths

Teen-targeted Gardasil also tied to blood clots, fainting in gov't study

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