WASHINGTON, Oct 15, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- None of the flu vaccine manufactured by Chiron Corp. for the United States is safe for use, federal health officials said Friday.

The Department of Health and Human Services initially had hoped some of the nearly 50 million vaccine doses manufactured by the California-based company could be salvaged after British authorities discovered last week some lots were contaminated with bacteria.

Lester Crawford, acting commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, told a news briefing Friday inspections at Chiron's Liverpool plant determined none of the vaccine would be safe to use.

Crawford said the agency is trying to find additional vaccine.

"Literally, every known manufacturer of flu vaccine in the world is being contacted and some progress is being made," he said. In addition, doses of Chiron vaccine already in the United States are being evaluated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended healthy people forgo getting vaccinated this year to ensure there is enough for the elderly, children under 2 years and chronically ill who are most at risk of death and other complications due to the flu.

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