New Zealand: The supply of tetanus vaccine meant for children below seven is fast depleting, which has sent the Ministry of Health in a tizzy to manage replacements.
The Pharmaceutical Company CSL had stopped the production of the Tet-tox vaccine in July 2006, making the replenishment of stocks impossible. The present stock is just enough to last till the end of this month.This scenario would mean that a combination of drugs will have to be used by those who are in need of vaccination. The combination vaccines are used to protect the body from other diseases like diphtheria and pertussis in addition to tetanus. But some children are not in a position to take the combo vaccine due to prevalent health conditions.
The Ministry of Health is still on the search for alternative sources of the exclusive Tetanus vaccine, which is the only vaccine suitable for children under seven.
Source-Medindia
SAV
