Due to a reduction in the manufacturing capacity for the vaccines HAVRIX 1440 and HAVRIX JUNIOR 720 (GSK), used to protect adults and children against hepatitis A, and in order to limit the impact of these supply shortages, alternatives are being proposed
The Superior Health Council (SHC) details the correct use of the proposed alternatives in advice number 9260: Recommendation concerning the risk on the shortage supply for hepatitis A vaccine.
GSK informed the authorities about potential supply constraints for the vaccines Havrix 1440 and Havrix 720, respectively used in adults and children in order to protect against infections caused by the hepatitias A virus.
The supply of Havrix 1440 is reduced to 1/3 and, for Havrix 720 no supply is possible.
This supply shortage is caused by a reduction in the manufacturing capacity and is not related to a quality defect, nor to a safety issue with these vaccines.
In order to avoid public health issues regarding this supply shortage, the following alternatives are proposed:
• Twinrix (GSK), protects adults against hepatitis A and B. Additional packages are foreseen for the Belgian market. Start foreseen from January 2015.
• Hepatyrix (GSK) for adult travellers who need hepatitis A and typhoid fever vaccination, will be marketed. Start foreseen for april 2015.
• Vaqta (Sanofi), protecting adults and children against hepatitis A, is proposed as alternative. The famhp is in contact with Sanofi in order to guarantee in the extent possible a correct supply for the Belgian market.