Ninth vaccine death reported in China

CHANGSHA -- Health authorities in central China said on Friday that they are investigating a new Hepatitis B vaccine-related death, the ninth such infant death since November.

In the latest case in Loudi city, Hunan province, a two-month-old boy died seven hours after receiving a Hep.B shot on Wednesday.

The vaccine was produced in Beijing. Authorities in Loudi have suspended use of the batch and the provincial disease control center is investigating the case.

Hunan has reported three infant deaths. A one-month-old boy died on December 6 and an eight-month-old baby died on Dec 9. Vaccines used were made in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, by BioKangtai.

Of the nine fatalities, four were in Guangdong, three in Hunan and two in Sichuan. The majority came after use of vaccines made by BioKangtai.

Use of all BioKangtai Hep. B vaccines has been suspended nationwide. Authorities are investigating the deaths.