Health authorities in both Switzerland and Canada have lifted their bans for flu vaccines made by Swiss drug maker Novartis. The ban was implemented in Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, Spain and Canada after white particles were seen floating in vials of the vaccine.
"The partially visible white particles are in no way external impurities, but are agglutinations of ordinary protein components of the vaccine," Switzerland's national drug agency Swissmedic said in a statement.
Novartis was quick to release their own statement praising the decision, saying:
"We have always remained confident in the safety and efficacy of our vaccines. [We are] working with the Swiss and Canadian Authorities to resume full distribution as soon as possible to protect against seasonal influenza. Novartis is working diligently with other health authorities to address their questions and resume distribution."
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