Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the situation in relation to hepatitis B vaccinations in Wales?
Due to manufacturing issues, there has been global shortage of hepatitis B vaccine since last summer which has had a severe impact on the UK supply. The situation is improving but supply constraints are likely to continue into 2018. To ensure that vaccine is available for those individuals at highest and most immediate risk of exposure to hepatitis B, guidance has been issued to NHS Wales on how to prioritise the use of the available stock. The supply of paediatric vaccine has been protected to ensure the continuation of vaccination for infants born to hepatitis B infected mothers. Supplies of the new “6 in 1” hexavalent vaccine, containing hepatitis B vaccine and introduced into the routine childhood programme from 1st August 2017, are not affected by the shortage.