Several private hospitals across the State are currently facing a shortage of Hepatitis B vaccines. In light of this situation, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has advised parents to visit their nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC) to ensure their children receive the hepatitis B vaccination according to the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) schedule.
The shortage has particularly impacted healthcare workers and patients undergoing treatments such as dialysis. However, a private hospital in Chennai, which provides both pentavalent and hexavalent vaccines that include hepatitis B, claims to have sufficient stock available for vaccinations.
The Health Department has confirmed that government hospitals do not face any vaccine shortages. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian stated that there are currently 621,320 doses of the hepatitis B vaccine in stock, sufficient to meet the state’s needs for the next 8.5 months. Additionally, 552,100 doses of pentavalent vaccines are available to support requirements for the upcoming 2.5 months.
T. S. Selvavinayagam, the Director of Public Health, reiterated the availability of nearby PHCs for those wishing to vaccinate their children in line with the UIP.
A medical professional closely monitoring the hepatitis B vaccination landscape noted that adult vaccinations present unique challenges. He indicated that they primarily cater to key populations who have been tested and confirmed to be negative for hepatitis B prior to receiving the vaccine.
One of the main obstacles is the Open Vial Policy for hepatitis B vaccines, which permits the use of an open vial for up to 28 days to prevent wastage. The targeted groups, particularly adults, receive the vaccine only after undergoing hepatitis B testing, but there is currently a shortage of test kits as well, complicating matters further.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/primary-health-centres-can-be-approached-for-hepatitis-b-vaccine-says-tn-govt/article69713864.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-06-19 21:04:00
