The MHRA continually monitors both the safety and quality of the medicines, including vaccines, available on the UK market. The information and links in this section are intended as a source of information for parents, health professionals and others interested in vaccine safety. The MHRA position and conclusions of the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) on a number of key vaccine topics are included as well as several sources of general information on vaccines and vaccine safety.
In this section...
- Seasonal flu vaccines 2010: No evidence of an increased risk of febrile convulsions in children
- Swine flu
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Thiomersal (ethylmercury)-containing vaccines
- Other vaccine topics and general sources of information
- Contact for further information
Seasonal flu vaccines 2010: No evidence of an increased risk of febrile convulsions in children
In Australia, an excess risk of febrile convulsions (fever fits in children) has been associated with one brand of flu vaccine (Fluvax, manufactured by CSL). Therefore, as a safety measure in the UK, the Department of Health advised doctors not to use flu vaccines manufactured by CSL in children age less than 5 years, but to use alternative vaccine brands instead. In addition, the MHRA monitored reports of febrile convulsions in this year's UK flu vaccination campaign, and analysed whether the reports were more frequent than would have occurred naturally. The analysis found that reports of febrile convulsion received this year in the UK are within the natural range, and that there is no indication of an excess risk of febrile convulsions in children following seasonal flu vaccination.
Seasonal flu vaccines: No evidence of an increased risk of febrile convulsions in children
Swine flu
This section includes a safety review of the swine flu pandemic and vaccines and antivirals, and adverse drug reaction summaries during the pandemic.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
This section includes details on vaccine safety, reporting of suspected side effects and further information.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
This section includes links to: MHRA and CSM statements and documents about the alleged links between the MMR vaccine and autism and bowel disease; statements about unlicensed single vaccines; CSM advice on MMR and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura; and external links to further sources of information on the MMR vaccine.
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
Thiomersal (ethylmercury)-containing vaccines
This section includes links to: MHRA and CSM statements on the safety of thiomersal (ethylmercury)-containing vaccines and external links to further sources of information.
Thiomersal (ethylmercury)-containing vaccines
Other vaccine topics and general sources of information
This section includes links to general information sources on vaccines.
Other vaccine topics and general sources of information
Contact for further information
For further information vaccine safety, please contact our Information Centre, 4T, 151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SZ, telephone 020 3080 6000, fax 020 3080 6353 or email info@mhra.gsi.gov.uk
