Merck recalls baby vaccine

ATLANTA - More than a million doses of a vaccine given to babies was being recalled yesterday because of contamination risks, but U.S. health officials said it was not a health threat.

The recall is for 1.2 million doses of Hib vaccine, which protects against meningitis and pneumonia, and a combination vaccine for Hib and hepatitis B. The vaccine is recommended for children under 5 and is usually given in a three-shot series, starting at two months.

Drug-maker Merck & Co., which announced the recall after testing showed a sterilization problem in its West Point, Pa., factory, said concerned parents should contact their child's doctor. Merck is based in Whitehouse Station, N.J. *