The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published Drug Safety Update for November 2019 (PDF).
Clinicians are advised of stronger precautions in people with weakened immunity and in those aged 60 years or older when using the yellow fever vaccine. Strict adherence to contraindications and precautions is essential. New and updated contraindications and strengthened precautions aim to protect those with a weakened immune systems (including for people aged 60 years or older) and standardised risk-benefit evaluation procedures are advised across UK yellow fever vaccination centres to ensure that people only receive the vaccine after a thorough risk assessment. It is recommended that only healthcare professionals specifically trained in benefit-risk evaluation of yellow fever vaccine should administer the vaccine, following their individualised assessment of a person's travel itinerary and suitability to receive the vaccine.
The summary of letters to healthcare professionals this month includes several links to letters recalling ranitidine containing products from pharmacies and also a letter confirming that permission has been given to supply and use Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (split virion, inactivated) in packs designed for export in order to meet demand.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this month's new guidance and implement any necessary changes to practice.