With respect to public authorities, the main concern is the safety of the population with regard to this type of occurrence. In general, if information leads one to believe that a product might be dangerous, I think that it is within the powers of the public authorities to immediately stop vaccinating people. Quebec law currently allows for an immediate stop to any vaccination program, for example. However, the power to withdraw a drug from the market rests with the federal government. The law also provides for other types of authority. In my opinion, it depends upon the will or lack of will to exercise these powers. From my understanding of the law, I will say that the current powers are adequate. But do we or do we not want to use them? It is a matter that relates more closely to politics than it does to law.
On April 29th, 2008. See this statement in context.