Officials say village doctors in an eastern province gave the Hepatitis A vaccine to about 2,500 children two weeks ago without permission. A 6-year-old girl reportedly suffered an infection and breathing problems and died a few days later. Other children suffered dizziness, headaches and breathing trouble.
Authorities have detained three health workers in connection with the case and have sent samples of the vaccine to a laboratory for testing.
Xinhua reports most of the vaccines were purchased from a private vendor who has since disappeared.
China is battling a surge in counterfeit or unauthorized food, medicines and other goods, many of which pose public safety threats.
