Acute hepatitis A vaccine shortage in Canada

 

Canada is reportedly facing a shortage of hepatitis A vaccines due to high demand and shipping delays. Several hepatitis A vaccines are manufactured in Canada by pharmaceutical companies Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK), and Merck. Health Canada says all three companies are reporting shortages of at least one of their hepatitis A vaccines. A Health Canada spokeswoman said the drug shortage could cause a crisis in the Canadian health care system and patient access, so the situation is being closely monitored.

Sanofi is reporting shortages of Avaxim as a result of increased demand. GSK reports that there is a shortage of the drug Havrix 1440 as a result of delays in shipping. VAQTA deficiency has also been reported by Merck Canada.

Hepatitis A vaccine requires two doses to be fully effective. The first dose should be given for primary immunization. Health Canada says booster doses should be given at least six to 36 months past due.