Recall of typhoid vaccine highlights the importance of documentation

The recent recall of a typhoid vaccine because it may not offer full protection, highlights the importance of health professionals accurately recording details of vaccines and batch numbers, says the Medical Protection Society (MPS).¹

The medical defence organisation is advising its members to contact those who have received the Typhim Vi vaccine, to help manage any anxieties and provide clear advice on precautions to take whilst abroad.

Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, medicolegal adviser at MPS says, 'This incident highlights the importance of meticulous documentation when prescribing and administering drugs and vaccines, in particular, recording the batch numbers, so that doctors and clinics can identify those individuals who may be affected. It also serves as a reminder for a patient’s full contact information to be recorded by practices and one-stop clinics, and the need for robust governance systems to allow tracing in situations such as these.

Although thankfully, it does not appear as though the vaccine itself poses any health threat, the alert is likely to cause anxiety in many. Doctors have an obligation to provide open and honest information when things go wrong – in this instance, reassuring patients will help allay any fears.

The GMC’s guidance Good Medical Practice states that if a patient has suffered harm or distress, you must act immediately to put matters right. Doctors should be proactive in contacting affected patients, not least to offer advice on other precautions to prevent typhoid when travelling but to check those who may have already travelled.'

Further information

For further information please contact Kim Watson, Press Officer at MPS on +44 207 399 1409 or email [email protected]

Notes to editors

1. Press release issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (08 October 2012) – Typhoid vaccine batches recalled by manufacturer Sanofi