Canada faces hepatitis A vaccine shortage amid high demand, shipping delays
Global News
There are several types of hepatitis A vaccines in Canada, manufactured by three companies: Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK) and Merck.
Canada is facing a shortage of hepatitis A vaccines due to increased demand and shipping delays, which may persist until the spring, according to manufacturers.
There are several types of hepatitis A vaccines in Canada that are manufactured by three companies: Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK) and Merck. In an email to Global News on Wednesday, Health Canada said all three companies are reporting shortages of at least one of their hepatitis A vaccines.
“Health Canada is actively looking into these shortage reports to determine the impact on the Canadian healthcare system and patient access,” a Health Canada spokesperson said in an email.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is typically transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person (via stool), according to Health Canada.
Raw fruits and vegetables as well as raw or undercooked shellfish are common food sources of hepatitis A.
People can carry the virus without showing symptoms and then spread it to others. Infection severity varies, with cases ranging from mild, lasting a few weeks, to severe, extending over several months. Common symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, jaundice, dark urine and fatigue.
Although Health Canada said it is rare for healthy adults to die from the infection, hepatitis A is more serious and can be fatal for pregnant people, particularly those in their third trimester.
There are several approved vaccines for hepatitis A in Canada. Shortages include:
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