Merck Recalls Portion of Childhood Vaccine Stock

Merck Recalls 1 Million Doses of Vaccine

Drugmaker Merck & Co. recalled 1.2 million doses of the Hib vaccine because of contamination risks. The company announced the recall after discovering a sterility problem in a Pennsylvania factory.

The vaccine protects against meningitis, pneumonia and other serious infections, and a combination vaccine for Hib and hepatitis B. The vaccine, recommended for all children under 5, is usually given in a three-shot series, starting at 2 months old.

While U.S. health officials said the chance of contamination is low, they acknowledged a potential for a shortage of the vaccines in the future.