The Paul Ehrlich Institute said in a statement Thursday that the measure is a precaution after Novartis reported some instances of small particles appearing in the vaccines that could potentially cause adverse reactions.
The order concerns four batches of the influenza vaccine Begripal and one batch of Fluad. Italy's health ministry banned the sale of four Novartis flu drugs on Wednesday.
Switzerland's regulator Swissmedic also suspended deliveries of flu vaccines from Novartis as a preventive measure against possible contamination.
Novartis said Thursday that it was cooperating with the Ministry of Health in Italy, where the vaccines are produced, and was committed to providing vaccines to patients for the upcoming flu season.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)