Supply Shortages of Human Vaccines
The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI) informs health care professionals and the general public on which vaccine is not available from the manufacturer, and how long these vaccines will remain potentially unavailable.
Standard Vaccines for Primary Immunization for Infants and Toddlers
Standard Vaccines for Children, Adolescents and Adults
Travel and Indication Vaccines
Wie lange bleibt der Kühlschrank leer? - Das Paul-Ehrlich-Institut analysierte die Lieferengpässe bei Reiseimpfstoffen, in: Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung (DAZ), Nr. 51 vom 21.12.2017, S. 24-29
(German only)
Influenza Vaccines
The notification of the sale of seasonal influenza vaccines by the marketing authorization holder does not constitute a supply shortage. These vaccines are only used immediately before and during the flu season for a limited period (approx. September to March) and are therefore only produced and delivered for this period.
Overview with information on authorised influenza vaccines
Vaccines - single pack sizes not available
The following table gives an overview of which vaccines individual pack sizes are not available. There are other packagings for these vaccines that are also available on the market. These are specified in the 'Further information' column.
Definition of Supply Shortage
A supply shortage of a vaccine is defined as an interruption of the supply from the manufacturer to the usual extent that is expected to last for more than two weeks or an unexpected, considerably increased demand which the manufacturer cannot meet to the appropriate extent.
The actual availability on the market cannot be derived from the PEI's information. Dependent on the supply chain of the vaccines – from the manufacturer via the wholesaler right down to the pharmacy – a vaccine may not be available in individual pharmacies or regions in Germany even without constituting a supply shortage. On the other hand, a vaccine may still be available at some pharmacies or wholesalers, even though a supply shortage has been reported.
Alternative Vaccine Options
For certain vaccine shortages, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut provides information on alternative vaccine options. When using these alternative options, it is important to consider the official product information, including any differences in indications.
Possibility of Pharmacy Import
There are vaccines that are not marketed in Germany by the license holder, but are available only through parallel trade. If such a vaccine product can not be obtained through the parallel distributor, this information is not available to the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut.
The PEI receives only delivery bottleneck messages from approval holders who market their products in Germany. On the basis of the supply gap found in the pharmacy, however, there is the possibility of a pharmacy import for these vaccine products in accordance with section 73 (3) sentence 1 Var. 1 AMG.
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Reporting of Suspected Supply Shortages by the Consumer
You suspect a vaccine supply shortage, which is not included in the PEI vaccine supply shortage list? Please contact us using the form below.
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