​Su​​pply & Shortage

​Updated: 4/18​​

See below for general resources related to vaccine supply. In the case of disrupted supply, the following resources can keep you informed, and provide information to help keep your patients up to date.

• CDC describes how state immunization programs distribute Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program vaccine on its VFC Program Distribution of Pediatric Vaccines page. 
  
  
• Learn more about managing vaccine supply on the AAP Vaccine Storage and Handling page.
  
  
• Check out the latest 2017-2018 Influenza Vaccine Supply Update page.
  
  
• The Influenza Summit has provided information on how influenza vaccine can be ordered and from whom on its Influenza Vaccine Products page.
  
  
• The latest information on current national vaccine supply shortages is available on the CDC Vaccine Shortages & Delays page.
   
• The American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) releases bulletins on current drug shortages on its Drug Shortages List page.
  
  

Current Pediatric Vaccine Shortage

Hepatitis B
Pediatric hepatitis B vaccine Recombivax HB will be in short supply for the remainder of 2018. In a letter to providers last year, Merck said demand around the world and manufacturing process updates caused the shortage of Recombivax HB in both pediatric and adult formulations. This shortage impacts the following package sizes for the pediatric/adolescent formulation: ten (10) 5 mcg/0.5 mL single-dose pre-filled Luer-Lok® syringes with tip caps and 5mcg/0.5mL - 10 single-dose 0.5mL vials. More information can be found on the Merck Supply Status page.

There is no change in the recommendations for hepatitis B vaccine administration – 3 dose series (birth, 1-2 months of age and 6-18 months of age). During this shortage, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends prioritizing the birth dose and completion of the infant series over child and adolescent catch-up vaccination unless those patients are at a risk for infection. For more information about hepatitis B and current hepatitis B vaccination recommendations, see the AAP Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Policy page.
 
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has an adequate supply of hepatitis B vaccine to make up for the shortage, according to the CDC. GSK produces single-component Engerix-B and the combination vaccine Pediarix. For more information regarding ordering supply from GSK, visit the GSK Direct Website or reference the GSK Direct Customer Resource Guide.

CDC clinical guidance during this supply shortage is available here​​. 

AAP announces the hepatitis B shortage to members via AAP News, Merck HepB vaccine shortage extended; GSK has supply​.