The Centers for disease Control (CDC) has recalled 800,000 pre-filled injectable H1N1 vaccines designated for children between 6 months and 35 months old because the agent in the vaccine that produces the immune response to the virus is not as potent as was desired, according to WBRC-TV in Birmingham, Ala.

“The reason for the recall is not as a safety concern. That’s the most important message,” said Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Don Williamson, stressing that there are no risks of any increased side effects with the recalled vaccines. “The reason (the CDC) recalled it is because there are extraordinarily strict manufacturing standards that vaccine manufacturers have to adhere to.” The recalled vaccine was manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur.

Alabama received 52,000 of the recalled doses of the H1N1 vaccine, most of which never left the warehouse, Williamson said. Forty-one children reportedly received the shot. The remaining vaccines will be returned.

Williamson says the recall shows how cautious the government is being with the vaccines and how safe they are to the public. “I encourage parents to get your child vaccinated,” he said. According to the CDC, the 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than in older people. People at highest risk of complications from H1N1 include those with underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders, and pregnancy. Young children are also at high risk.

The CDC recommends that children, especially those younger than 5 years of age, and those with high-risk medical conditions, be vaccinated as soon as possible.