The Department of Health and Social Care (DH) has issued a vaccine supply notification for 23 valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax 23) pre-filled syringes of Merck Sharp and Dohme Limited.
Supplies of Pneumovax 23 pre-filled syringes (PFS) will remain limited until January, due to steep rise in demand.
“Maximum ordering quotas have been placed in agreement with the DH, Public Health England, NHS England and Improvement, Merck Sharp and Dohme Limited and the wholesaler AAH, to ensure equitable and appropriate distribution until January next year,” the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) reported.
“There is an override procedure in place for these quotas to fulfil orders for individuals in high risk clinical groups as outlined by PHE’s guidance. This can be found in the October 2020 Vaccine Update Bulletin,” it noted.
Supplies can only be ordered from the wholesaler AAH or via the usual channels.
