Swine flu vaccine halt in Canada

Pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline has advised doctors in Canada to stop using a batch of its swine flu vaccine.



The batch of some 170,000 doses was put on hold because of the reported higher than usual number of patients having anaphylactic reactions.



This may include breathing problems, increased heart rate and skin rashes.



None of the patients reportedly suffered long-term ill-effects.



Meanwhile, the company says it’s investigating the reports, which could lead to the withdrawal of the batch.



The reports say one in 20,000 people suffered adverse reactions to the batch of GlaxoSmithKline\'s Aperanix vaccine.



This is five times the expected number.