THE HSE HAS said that the problem with the shortage of BCG vaccines has now been resolved.
In mid-June, there were Europe-wide shortages which the HSE said was due to “problems with the vaccine supplier”. At the time, the HSE stressed that it would still be offered to newborns and those at greatest risk.
However a report today in the Irish Independent today said many babies are only receiving their injections now.
The HSE previously had difficulties with vaccines in 2007 and 2008 because the only company supplying the European market had regulatory issues.
Today, it told TheJournal.ie that there are is no longer a shortage and that delays experienced have been resolved. The supplies were received at the end of July and have now been distributed to all sites which required it.
Back in June, there were calls for the health service to look at alternative sources for the supply of the vaccine. However told us that there is only one manufacturer of BCG licensed to supply the vaccine by the Health Products Regulatory Authority and the European Medicines Agency.
“The HSE is not looking for an alternative supplier but is in active discussion to ensure this does not happen again,” it said.
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