Education & Training:
The Immunization Encounter - Critical Issues Broadcast:
Updates & Clarifications
Questions submitted during this broadcast of June 27, 2002
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ActHIB reconstitution. In the Immunization Encounter broadcast we stated that ActHIB must be used within 30 minutes of reconstitution. Actually, it is when ActHIB is reconstituted with Tripedia to form TriHIBit that it must be used within 30 minutes. ActHIB alone should be used within 24 hours of reconstitution. (7/5/02)
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PedvaxHIB reconstitution. We stated that PedvaxHIB should be used within 24 hours of reconstitution. This was once true. Now, however, PedvaxHIB is a liquid and does not require reconstitution. (7/5/02)
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Repeating dose when vaccine has expired. On the air we stated that if a dose of expired vaccine is inadvertently given it should be repeated immediately. After consulting with other vaccine experts, we agreed that the interval between a dose of expired vaccine and the repeat dose should be 28 days. This more conservative approach is consistent with ACIP recommendations on repeating doses that are invalid for other reasons (e.g., too close together), and it also reduces the possibility of interference when the vaccine in question is live. (7/5/02)
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Aspiration. Yet another issue regarding the practice of aspirating when giving an intramuscular vaccination arose after the broadcast . . . namely, should the syringe be reused or discarded if blood is aspirated. As with aspiration itself, there are virtually no data on the topic. The prudent approach is that if you do choose to aspirate, and if blood is aspirated, remove and discard the syringe. Then start the procedure again. If no blood is aspirated, inject the vaccine. (7/5/02)
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Menomune Reconstitution. On the air we stated that multi-dose vials of vaccine contain a bacteriostatic agent, usually thimerosal, and that once they are opened the vaccine can be used until the date of expiration unless it becomes visibly contaminated. This guideline does not apply to Menomune (meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine), which must be reconstituted. Unused vaccine from a multi-dose vial of Menomune should be refrigerated at 2°- 8° C (35°- 46° F) and discarded 35 (previously 10) days after reconstitution if not used. Use single dose vials within 30 minutes of reconstitution. (4/17/03)
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Content last reviewed on April 17, 2003
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases