Current situation, causes, and countermeasures to NIP vaccine shortages in Guangzhou, China

Zhiqun Li,Jindong Xu,Jianxiong Xu,Huifeng Tan,Chunhuan Zhang

doi:10.1080/21645515.2019.1644883

Abstract

ABSTRACTFrom 2017 to 2018, Guangzhou experienced a shortage in 3–6 types of National Immunization Program (NIP) vaccines. To evaluate the current situation and causes of the NIP vaccine shortage, we analysed the duration, intensity and causes of the shortage from data in the vaccine information system of the Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention; we also proposed countermeasures to resolve the shortage. In 2017, there were shortages of three types of NIP vaccines in Guangzhou. The most affected vaccines were inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine and meningococcal group AC (MenAC) vaccine, accounting for 39.5% and 16.5% of the reported shortages, respectively. In 2018, the shortage extended to six vaccine types; the most affected were diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine, MenAC vaccine, and Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine. The four main causes for the shortage were: 1) an insufficient production capacity; 2) a delay in batch issuance; 3) vaccine-related events; and 4) an extended bidding procurement cycle. Four solutions are proposed: 1) expand production output; 2) exempt creditworthy enterprises from batch inspections; 3) establish alternative enterprises and emergency use authorizations; and 4) establish public health funds and stockpile storage systems.

Highlights

Vaccine supply shortages have resulted in thousands of children who do not have complete vaccine-induced immunity throughout childhood in accordance with the National Immunization Program (NIP) standards
Studies have shown that both the inactivated poliovirus (IPV) and meningococcal group A (MenA) vaccines were in short supply in 2017 and 2018, and frequent shortages of the same vaccine indicates a lack of effective regulation in vaccine manufacturing and procurement
The number of children who need to be vaccinated with free NIP vaccines has increased, and the vaccines are in short supply; there is no cooperation normalization between relevant departments

Summary

Introduction

Immunization is one of the most successful tools for the prevention of infectious diseases.[1]. Vaccine supply shortages have resulted in thousands of children who do not have complete vaccine-induced immunity throughout childhood in accordance with the NIP standards. This mechanism allows authorization in the event of a vaccine shortage incident, and backup manufacturing companies will be authorized to invest in the production of vaccines that are in short supply.

Results

Conclusion