The Department of Health and Social Care (DH) has issued a vaccine supply notification for 23 valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax 23) PFS of Merck Sharp and Dohme Limited.
Supplies of Pneumovax 23 pre-filled syringes (PFS) are expected to be out of stock until late January 2021, due to increased demand.
“Maximum ordering quotas have been placed in agreement with the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England, NHS England and Improvement, Merck Sharp and Dohme Limited and the wholesaler AAH, to ensure equitable and appropriate distribution during this period,” the Pharmacy Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) said in an alert.
“There is an override procedure in place for these quotas to fulfill orders for individuals in high risk clinical groups as outlined by the PHE.”
Supplies can only be ordered from AAH, and community pharmacies have been asked to place orders via the usual channels.
