Guangdong buys replacement Hepatitis B vaccine

Guangdong province has purchased 1.5 million doses of hepatitis B vaccine after health authorities halted the use of a brand that may have killed six baby deaths in Guangdong, Hunan and Sichuan provinces. The cause of death of the babies has not yet been confirmed.

A simple protective shot. But is it always safe?

Seven infants in Hunan, Guangdong and Sichuan provinces recently died after being injected with hepatitis B vaccines produced by the Shenzhen-based BioKangtai. But one of those deaths has been found to be the result of severe pneumonia and had nothing to do with the vaccine. The rest are awaiting autopsies.

"We need to take into account a number of factors, including the clinical situation of the individual cases, epidemiology, medical examination, and most importantly, the result of an autopsy to conclude whether the vaccines did in fact cause the deaths." Deng Huihong, deputy director of Guangdong Center For Disease Control, said.

National authorities suspended the use of the recombinant hepatitis B vaccines produced by BioKangtai on December 20. Hospitals in Guangdong province have sealed all hepatitis B vaccines made by Biokangtai and the province has purchased 1.45 million doses of hepatitis B to meet the shortfall. But doctors also warn that the hepatitis B vaccine is not suitable for all newborns. Those suffering from fever, weak immune system, low birth weight or serious eczema should not be given the vaccination.

"If a child has a fever over 38.5 degrees, inoculations should be postponed. They can be vaccinated when they get better." Deng said.

Hepatitis B vaccines are provided by the government free of charge. Health authorities oversee purchase and production, while disease control centers are responsible for transporting refrigerated vaccines to hospitals. The vaccination for newborns is taken in three stages. The first shot is taken immediately after birth. The second and third shots of the vaccine are taken after a baby is one month and then six months old.