The public flu vaccination campaign in Quebec is reportedly not affected by the distribution suspension in Canada of flu vaccines made by Novartis.

According to a report, vaccines made by other companies are being used in the campaign, which starts November 1st.

However, Novartis vaccines might be used by private companies.

Small clumps of virus particles have been discovered in some batches of the flu vaccine made at the company's Italian plant.

Heath Canada has notified Canadian doctors and others who administer flu shots to hold off using Novartis vaccine, at least for now.

The department calls it a precautionary step and that more tests are being conducted.

Novartis distributes roughly 20 per cent of flu vaccines in Canada.

Picture credit: (medecineworld.org)