The meningitis C vaccine produced by Novartis that was recalled in the UK is not available in Malta, a company spokesman said.

The vaccines were recalled by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics after sterility problems were identified in the solvent for its Menjugate Kit. The vaccine was produced in Italy and distributed in the UK. A representative of the local branch of Novartis Pharma, which is a separate company from Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, said the Menjugate Kit is unavailable in Malta.

"Novartis Pharma only deals with pharmaceutical products, which are a distinct branch from vaccines and diagnostics. As far as we know nobody else imports the vaccine in question to Malta," the representative said.

The medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency in the UK was reported by the media as saying that no children were believed to be at risk from the solvent.

The recall was purely as a precautionary measure.

The company is investigating the source of contamination.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com

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