site.bta6-in-1 Vaccine Unavailable, Supply of 15,000 Doses Expected within 10 Days

A reference as of July 30, published on the website of the Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate, showed that the 6-in-1 vaccine, also commonly known as the DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB, vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, haemophilus influenzae type B and hepatitis B is unavailable.  According to the Bulgarian compulsory immunization calendar, this vaccine is given to babies in their second, third and fourth months after birth.

"A few days ago, we received a letter from the representative for Bulgaria of the vaccine manufacturer, informing us that there are difficulties in production and that there will be a delay in the delivery for August," said Dr. Angel Kunchev, chief state health inspector. He added that the vaccine will no longer be produced under its current name and that the new vaccine delivery, expected in ten days, will contain 15,000 doses. "Once the production process is back to normal, the name of the vaccine will be the same for the whole of Europe," Kunchev stressed.

The Ministry of Health announced that it has been informed of an upcoming delay in the delivery of 65,000 doses by the contractor under the contract, but is doing everything possible to resolve the delivery problem as soon as possible. The Ministry expects to have stocks of the vaccine within two to three weeks. "Detailed information on the forthcoming delivery is expected in a few days," the Ministry added.

"If this vaccine is delayed by one or two months, it is not a concern," said Dr. Militsa Docheva, a pediatrics specialist at the Pediatrics Clinic at Lozenets Hospital. According to her, if the immunization were delayed in the longer term, it would not be favourable, especially for a certain group of those subject to vaccination. She advised parents not to delay their children's immunizations. "Babies who are due to be immunized with the 6-in-1 vaccine do not usually have very extensive contact with other children and there is nothing specific that parents need to do", the doctor added in response to a question about whether unvaccinated children are at risk until the new supply is secured.