Singapore suspends Korean, Sanofi flu jabs due to Seoul deaths

Singapore has suspended two influenza vaccines after deaths were reported in South Korea.

South Korean health authorities said they have found no direct link between the deaths and the flu shots.

"This is a precautionary measure following reported deaths after influenza vaccination in South Korea," the Ministry of Health said Sunday, Channel News Asia reports..

"No deaths associated with influenza vaccination have been reported in Singapore to date."

Dozens of South Koreans died this month after receiving flu shots as part of a state-run vaccination program. As of Saturday, 48 deaths had been reported.

"Based on information released by the South Korean health authorities, seven brands of influenza vaccines were given to individuals involved in the deaths reported in South Korea," the ministry said.Two of the seven brands are available in Singapore, the ministry added.

They are SKYCellflu Quadrivalent, manufactured by SK Bioscience and locally distributed by AJ Biologics; and VaxigripTetra, manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur and locally distributed by Sanofi Aventis.