The Infanrix -IPV-Hib combination vaccine, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, was recently licensed for use in Canada. The poliovirus strains, as in Pediacel, are grown in Vero monkey kidney cell lines.

 

As you are aware, the Pediacel vaccine, also manufactured by Sanofi-Pasteur, contains the same vaccine components as the Pentacel, but uses the Vero cells (African green monkey kidney cells) to produce the polio component. This vaccine has not been marketed in Canada to date although it is licensed for use in Canada. It is our understanding that Sanofi Pasteur will be replacing the Pentacel vaccine with the Pediacel vaccine shortly, for the Canadian market.

 

We appreciate your support for the provincially funded immunization program. While we understand the concern of persons opposed to vaccines developed from fetal cell lines, ensuring the security of a safe and effective vaccine supply also needs to be considered when vaccine contracts are awarded.

I trust that the information I have provided is helpful to you.

 

Sincerely,
Barbara H. Kawa, MD DPH

Senior Medical Consultant/Unit Head

Vaccine Preventable Disease Control and Immunization Unit

Infectious Disease Branch

Public Health Division