Merck Recalls 1M Doses of Vaccine for Kids

Merck is recalling almost a million doses of a childhood vaccine after it found evidence of contamination at one of its factories, the AP reports. The pharmaceutical giant says no children have been harmed after taking Hib, which prevents meningitis and pneumonia, but the company is recalling its 10 lots and two lots of a combination vaccine for both Hib and hepatitis B.

Merck stressed that the contamination was found in the factory, not in the drug itself. Hib is recommended for all children under age 5 and is usually given at age 2 months or later. Recently Merck has received its own shot in the arm, the AP notes. After settling 50,000 Vioxx lawsuits last month, it touted an upbeat assessment for analysts yesterday. (More Merck stories.)