Health Canada acknowledges that the advice and recommendations set out in this statement are based upon the best current available scientific knowledge, and is disseminating this document for information purposes. This statement was completed by NACI on the 18 March, 1997. Purified virus protein is adsorbed onto aluminum hydroxide and packaged without preservatives. Each 1.0 mL dose contains 50 units of virus protein, roughly equal to 50 nanograms of protein, along with traces of bovine albumen, residual formaldehyde, and residual neomycin. It is recommended for persons 2 to 17 years old, given as a single primary dose with a booster dose 6 to 18 months later.
Vaccine is given intramuscularly, preferably in the deltoid.
Vaccine should be stored at 2 C to 8 C avoiding freezing. The vaccine is highly immunogenic in children and adults. Concurrent administration of vaccine and immune serum globulin at separate injection sites reduces the seroconversion rate and antibody levels in serum. No cases were observed in vaccinees 19 days or more after immunization. No cases occurred in vaccinees during the subsequent 4 years of follow-up despite the occurrence of outbreaks in nearby communities.