TGA warns against homeopathic meningococcal vaccines
20 September 2002
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has warned against using homeopathic meningococcal vaccines, calling their use 'entirely inappropriate'.
'Such use may be hazardous to the extent that patients who take them believing they will work as a prevention against infection may be putting themselves at serious risk,' the TGA said in a statement.
The warning followed action in which one manufacturer agreed last month to remove its homeopathic meningococcal vaccine from shop shelves after being contacted by the TGA.
The use of homeopathic meningococcal vaccine was rare, but it was still necessary to advise patients of the associated dangers, said Melbourne GP and founding president of the Australian Integrative Medicine Association Dr Vicki Kotsirilos.
'I am very supportive of the TGA's concerns,' Dr Kotsirilos said.
'Until there is evidence, you cannot replace any normal vaccination with a homeopathic vaccination. The principles are completely different.'
Last Reviewed: 20 September 2002
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 20/09/02
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