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| - Elimination of pre- servatives |
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Elimination of preservatives from SSI vaccines
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Background
Why are preservatives sometimes used in vaccines?
Preservatives are compounds that kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi. They are used in vaccines to prevent microbial growth in the event that the vaccine is accidentally contaminated, as might occur with repeated puncture of multi-dose vials.
In some cases, preservatives are added during manufacture to prevent microbial growth; however, with adequate hygiene precautions and modern manufacturing technology the need to add preservatives during the manufacturing process it is no longer justified.
SSI was the first vaccine manufacturer to eliminate the use of preservatives in paediatric combination vaccines. In 1970 the Di-Te-Pol vaccine was introduced in single dose vials manufactured and filled without the use of preservatives. The last vaccine process at SSI to be freed of preservatives was the pertussis vaccine in 1992.
Today, none of the vaccines manufactured at SSI contain preservatives. Certain vaccines manufactured by foreign companies and distributed by SSI contain preservatives. This will be stated in the product specifications.
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