Hepatitis B, measles vaccines in short supply in SA

The Department of Health has assured that they are addressing the shortage of Hepatitis B vaccines in the country.

Joe Maila, spokesman for Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said: "The stock we received did not meet quality standards and as a result we experienced shortages, however we are in constant contact with the supplier to ensure that vaccines are made available without delay''.

The MEC for health in the Western Cape, Theunis Botha, indicated that there still a shortage of measles vaccines too.

The provincial department had been allocated 4 430 vials of the Hepatitis B vaccine which should be released shortly. But the ''back-order amount'' for healthcare facilities in the province stands at 18 480.

"As an interim arrangement Hepatitis B and Measles vaccines are being re-distributed between facilities to maintain the availability of vaccines at all facilities for as long as possible,'' a statement by the provincial department read.

But Maila said the problem with the measles vaccine has since been corrected and assured that provinces are ''getting their supplies''.

"The issue of the Hepatitis vaccine is receiving urgent attention and will be made available soon,'' he said.