The Chilton County Health Department was not affected by a recall of more than 61,000 doses of H1N1 influenza nasal mist vaccine.

The doses were shipped to Alabama providers in October, during a time when the effectiveness of the vaccine was likely still at or above the recommended level. The manufacturer, MedImmune, is recalling doses from unused lots because the vaccine’s potency dropped below a pre-specified limit over time.

The recall does not affect any vaccine administered by injection; only the nasal mist form was recalled.

“I double checked ours. We don’t have any of that lot number,” said Ludean Hicks, clinic supervisor of the Chilton County Health Department.

Persons who may have received nasal spray vaccine from the recalled lots do not need to take any special actions. The recall was issued for reasons unrelated to safety. Although the vaccine potency was slightly below the “specified” range, the recalled vaccine is still expected to be effective in stimulating a protective response despite a slight reduction in the concentration of antigen.

��People don’t need to do anything or have the shot repeated,” Hicks said.

It is recommended that children younger than 10 years old receive two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine approximately one month apart to receive optimal protection. It is best to use the same type of vaccine for both doses, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

As of Thursday, people were still making regular appointments to receive either H1N1 or seasonal flu vaccine. The local health department expects another shipment of H1N1 vaccine by Monday.

“I had quite a few [patients] yesterday. We will continue to give it until it’s gone,” Hicks said.