Global Shortage of Hepatitis A Vaccine

20 Jul 2017

There is currently a global shortage of hepatitis A vaccine - the shortage is having an effect on supplies in the UK. As a result healthcare practitioners across the UK are being advised by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to prioritise who should receive vaccine based on individual risk assessment.

Individuals who are deemed to need vaccine and who have underlying medical problems (e.g. immunocompromised) will be given priority. Other higher risk groups may also be given priority.

In some circumstances alternative vaccine preparations may need to be used e.g. combined hepatitis A and typhoid or paediatric vaccine for adults. Where this occurs it will be fully explained to the vaccine recipient.

The vaccine shortage is likely to continue for some time.