Cyprus Running Low on Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccine

Cyprus is facing a shortage of the combined tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, with hospitals temporarily unable to supply booster doses for pediatric patients. Vaccine stocks across the country are at critically low levels.

As a result, the Ministry of Health has instructed doctors in the General Healthcare System to reserve the remaining vaccines for pregnant women and their immediate family members. The directive was relayed to personal physicians via the Health Insurance Organization.

"Our supply of Boostrix has been significantly depleted. For now, the vaccine will only be available at adult primary healthcare facilities and strictly for pregnant women and their close contacts. Distribution to pediatric primary care centers will be temporarily suspended until new shipments arrive and the shortage is resolved," health officials stated.

According to Philenews, this vaccine is typically given to children as a booster dose, and a delay of several weeks or even months is not expected to pose a significant health risk.

The supply shortage stems from a change in suppliers, but the Ministry of Health expects new shipments to arrive within the first two weeks of next month.