Temporary shortage of DTaP-IPV (Infanrix®-IPV or Quadracel®)

Advisory Alert

June 4, 2015

*Cette information est seulement disponible en anglais.

A temporary change to the Catch-up Schedule 1: Unimmunized Children 1 to 6 Years of the Ontario Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule is required due to the current shortage of DTaP-IPV:

• Catch up Schedule 1, indicates the use of DTaP-IPV (Quadracel or Infanrix-IPV) according to age and history of immunization.
• The catch up schedule outlines the minimum requirements that are needed for adequate protection, and addresses the fact that additional doses of Hib are not required if a child has had at least one dose at 15 months or later.
• Due to supply issues since 2012, the DTaP-IPV vaccine has been limited to only those who are 5 and 6 years old who require doses for their primary series.
• In light of the supply issue and taking into consideration that Hib is publicly funded for routine immunization for those up until the 5th birthday, DTaP-IPV Hib (Pediacel/Pentacel) was considered an acceptable substitute for the 15 to 59 month old cohort.
• While the Hib component of Pediacel/Pentacel would not be required for children 15 to 59 months who have already received at least 1 dose of Hib on or after 15 months of age, they could receive additional doses of Hib by getting Pediacel/Pentacel. The child would receive extra (safe) or ‘convenience’ doses of Hib.

Catch-up Schedule 1 is available at:

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/immunization/docs/immunization_schedule.pdf

Until a reasonable security of supply for DTaP-IPV can be obtained, we ask that you please reserve this vaccine for 5 and 6 year olds who require doses for their primary series only. Exceptions can be made in cases where a parent does not want their child to receive the extra Hib doses (if they have already completed their Hib series) or if they do not wish that their child receive Hib at all. This small cohort could also receive DTaP-IPV instead of DTaP-IPV-Hib.

When an adequate supply of DTaP-IPV resumes, messaging will be released that for those 15 to 59 months who have completed their Hib series, DTaP-IPV vaccine is the more appropriate vaccine to use, and that Catch-up Schedule 1 should be followed.

The DTaP-IPV supply issue is expected to continue through into 2016.

The following table provides temporary guidance for children aged 1 to 6 years who are missing doses of DTaP-IPV: Open in PDF 117KB

It is important that children receive the required vaccine in accordance with their age and previous immunization history. Giving an inappropriate vaccine may result in reduced protection of the child and will not count as a valid dose in accordance with the Immunization of School Pupils Act.

Health care providers and parents or guardians are reminded to notify the SDHU when any vaccination is administered to a child so that their immunization record can be updated.

Should you have any additional questions or require specific information regarding eligibility, dosing or catch-up schedules, please contact the immunization program as per below.

We will notify you when this situation has been resolved.

For all reporting, inquiries or comments, please contact: Sudbury & District Health Unit at 705.522.9200, ext. 301.

This item was last modified on September 9, 2016