Jabs on hold amid shortage of drugs

Doctors’ surgeries have been hit by a worldwide shortage of vaccinations.

The Department of Health last night said it has had difficulty securing sufficient immunizations from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The department is waiting for a fresh supply of Adacel. Adacel or Tdap is used to immunize older children, adolescents and adults against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Whooping Cough. 

And there are “limited supplies” of Tetanus Adsorbed in Bermuda at the present time.

A Ministry of Health Spokesman said: “The Department of Health has had recent issues procuring vaccinations from Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) due to shortages. 

“There is a worldwide shortage of Adacel (Tdap).

“We are awaiting a supply of Tdap which will be available to patients at the Victoria Street Clinic.

“The Department does have the usual quantity of polio vaccine and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) in stock.

“However, we have a limited supply of Td (Tetanus Adsorbed) and are awaiting delivery of an order for more.

“We are informed by PAHO that this is ‘back ordered’ due to demand.

“We will inform the physicians’ offices when vaccination supplies arrive.”