24 February 2005: Shortage of yellow fever vaccine in the UK: Update

Both the Department of Health and the private sector have been working to maintain the supply of yellow fever vaccine for UK practitioners. This has included exploring options for obtaining vaccine outside the UK.

Sanofi Pasteur MSD (formerly Aventis Pasteur MSD) is currently supplying the market place with yellow fever vaccine. For further information about availability, health professionals can contact their vaccine department at the telephone number listed below.

Chiron is out of stock of yellow fever vaccine until further notice.

MASTA, as a wholesale supplier of vaccines, is also trying to source vaccine.

Until the shortage of vaccine is resolved, we suggest practices continue to prioritise the administration of vaccine by considering the risk of yellow fever at the destination and the immediacy of departure.

Please note NaTHNaC does not control or facilitate the supply of vaccines in the UK. This remains the responsibility of the pharmaceutical industry. Whilst we recognise the pressure vaccine shortages place on practices, questions about availability should be directed to the individual companies.

Further updates will be posted as any information becomes available to us.

The numbers below are for health professionals only. Travellers can locate yellow fever vaccinating centres by accessing the on-line database of designated Yellow Fever Vaccinating Centres.

Sanofi Pasteur MSD: 0800 0855511

Chiron: 08457 451500