Bermuda is facing a shortage of a crucial vaccine that protects infants from diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia and diphtheria, after the manufacturer withdrew the product over quality control concerns.

A Health Department spokeswoman last night confirmed that a batch of the Pentaxim vaccine due to arrive on the Island this week had been pulled — and that no further deliveries are expected to be made until next month.

The vaccine is administered as a series of shots to immunise infants from six weeks of age against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis and invasive infections caused by Hemophilus influenzae type B, such as meningitis, septicaemia, cellulitis, arthritis, epiglottis, pneumopathy and osteomyelitis.

“The Department of Health was advised over the Cup Match holiday that the manufacturer for Pentaxim, SanofiPasteur, has experienced quality control issues with the vaccine batch and the supply due this week,” the spokeswoman said.

“Therefore the vaccine batch has not been released. There were two shipments due, one this week — the second quarter supply — and another the first week in September — the third quarter supply — expected to meet the needs of the community. The new release date is expected early September pending batch release clearance.”

The delivery delay will mean that Bermuda has suffered three vaccine shortfalls in just over a year.

In February, paediatricians ran out of supplies of a number of different jabs for infants, including those that prevent meningitis, chickenpox, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and polio.

And in May last year, the Department of Health admitted it could not meet demand, prompting doctors to warn about the dangers of having a section of the population more susceptible to potentially dangerous diseases.

Last night the Health official said the current crisis “is a situation beyond the control of the Department of Health”.

“There are several challenges that Bermuda faces in terms of acquiring certain vaccines, as we experience increasing fiscal restraint and subsequent reduced access,” she added.

“However, the Department is to actively manage the situation by negotiating the supply gaps and monitoring the health of the community through surveillance.

“The Department is evaluating its options in terms of vaccine procurement and planning for the future.

“The Department of Health would like to encourage persons to continue on with the remainder of their immunisation programme and receive other vaccines on schedule. Your physician will provide you with a catch-up schedule for the vaccine you have missed once it arrives.

“Concerned members of the public can discuss the issue with their doctors or contact the Department of Health at 278-6460.”

The spokesman said that the Island’s Expanded Programme on Immunisations manager was in regular contact with local paediatrician offices and those directly affected to advise them of any supply issues to assist in their planning.

“The Ministry of Health, Seniors and Environment encourages an attitude of cooperation and patience among all stakeholders as the Ministry works to navigate these increasingly complex issues with vaccine procurement,” she said.