There are calls within China for tough action to be taken after up to eight babies died following vaccinations against hepatitis B.<br /><br />As investigations continue, authorities have already suspended use of the vaccine at the centre of the scare, produced by the Chinese drug manufacturer BioKangtai.<br /><br />Parents are increasingly anxious about taking their children to be immunised as part of a government programme.<br /><br />Zhou Jianhui, Deputy Chief of the Immunisation Programme at the Jilin Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Centre, said that only a few areas had bought the vaccine.<br /><br />“We have asked them to report the number of these vaccines used. We will also monitor if they have a bad reaction. So far there is none,” she said.<br /><br />The firm says it is testing the batches in question but insists it rigorously followed safety rules.<br /><br />After several scares, many Chinese people are suspicious that the government tries to cover up bad news about health problems, despite assurances of transparency.
