E-DRUG: Diluent of vaccines (contd)
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Vaccines are not the same as drugs as far as diluent is concerned.
South African (SA) EPI (Expanded Program on Immunization) policy is that
only the diluent supplied with the vaccine may be used with that vaccine.
i.e. BCG may only be reconstituted with the supplied with the vaccine,
likewise measles may only be reconstituted with measles diluent supplied
with the vaccine. (i.e. you should not reconstitute a SKB measles with a
Merieux(RPR) measles diluent.) The vaccine manufacturers specifically
state that only their diluent should be used with their vaccine.
In addition, the diluent presentation matches that of the accompanying
vaccine thus minimising the risk of incorrect dilution. SA policy is
consistent with WHO policy.
If there were an adverse event after the use of a reconstituted vaccine,
which it transpired had been reconstituted with a diluent other than the
one supplied by the vaccine manufacturer, the manufacturer would have a
strong case for denying liability.
Anthony Battersby
FBA Health Systems Analysts
Email: FBA@compuserve.com
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