BCG vaccine scheme halted over shortages

The BCG vaccination programme for newborns has ceased throughout the country, the Health Service Executive has said.

It had effectively run out of the vaccine and had ceased operating its normal vaccination programme, though some areas had retained small quantities of the drug for people considered to be at high risk, it said.

New stocks of the vaccine were originally expected to be delivered last November. However, this delivery was postponed until January and is now not expected to take place until March.

The vaccination, normally given to babies within one month of birth, is imported from sole European licensed supplier Statens Serum Institut (SSI) of Denmark and protects against tuberculosis.

Unlike other vaccines, the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, which contains live, weakened bacteria similar to the TB bacterium, has a very short shelf life that prevents the storage of large reserve stocks.

The HSE said ongoing regulatory difficulties being experienced by SSI have led to a Europe-wide shortage. The HSE is in regular contact with the supplier and said it is doing all it can to ensure delivery as early as possible.

Dr Kevin Kelleher, HSE assistant national director for population health, said there has been a dramatic decline in TB over the past 40 years in this country.

"The risk of contracting the condition remains low, so there is no need for any undue alarm or concern."