of an Island wide vaccine shortage.

Government stocks of a vaccine that protects infants against the Haemophilus influenza type B bacteria which causes respiratory tract infections and in some cases, meningitis, have recently run out.

Two cases of the disease, which causes physical handicap and deafness, were reported in Bermuda last year. Neither baby was immunised.

Yesterday, paediatricians expressed concern over the shortages.

"It is a problem,'' said one medical office spokesman who declined to be named. "Children are at risk. It is the most common form of meningitis in small children.

"The good news is that we have an extremely well vaccinated population,'' she said.

Paediatrician Dr. Stephen West admitted he is also concerned about the shortages. But he added that the immediate risk of infection is small.

"We ran out of it last week but if Government manage to bring it in the next two to three weeks as they say, there shouldn't be a problem,'' he said.

The disease, which leaves children physically disabled and which can be fatal, is almost entirely preventable with the vaccine.

"It is an excellent vaccination,'' Dr. West said. "We don't see Haemophilus meningitis anywhere in kids that have been immunised against it.

"It is now an almost preventable disease. The vaccine has turned a very dreaded disease into a very preventable disease.'' But he said problems could arise if stocks ran out again.

"I am concerned that Government has run out. It is not the first time (Government stocks have run out). But it is concerning that Bermudian children are left for this period of time.'' Yesterday, the Ministry of Health released a statement acknowledging the concerns of parents and doctors.

But it said current evidence does not show an increased rate of infection among children at risk.

"Concerned members of the public should be assured that every effort is being made to make the vaccine available again as soon as possible,'' the statement said.

A change in US procedures in the production of the vaccine and a decision by US authorities to supply domestic needs before allowing the export of the vaccine are to blame for the current shortages, it said.

In the meantime, Government is approaching the Pan American Health Organisation as an alternative source for the vaccine.

A shipment is expected to arrive in Bermuda within the next two to three weeks.

Mr. Eric Clee, general manager of local agent for the vaccine, Merck, Sharp and Dohme, downplayed the situation.

"I know there is a shortage, but it is nothing to worry about,'' he said.

He said the US Government decided to change the strain used in the vaccine less than a year ago.

The decision led to a drop in supply after a number of manufacturers stopped making the vaccine. Mr. Clee cited difficulties in altering what was already a highly complex and expensive process.