A shortage of vaccines against pertussis causes restrictions on the vaccination of pregnant women and a temporary interruption of vaccinations by paediatricians with the competent authorities implementing a special plan for the management of the available quantities.
This is the Boostrix vaccine, which provides protection against pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria.
Its administration during pregnancy is of particular importance, as it allows the transfer of protective antibodies from the mother to the fetus, helping to protect the newborn during the first months of life.
Pertussis is especially dangerous for young infants, in which it can cause serious respiratory complications. That is why vaccinating the pregnant woman is an important measure to protect the child even before it is born.
The shortage of this vaccine is therefore of particular importance, as the available quantities must now be allocated according to strict criteria.
The situation is reflected in a written information sent by the Health Insurance Organization (HIO) to the personal guardians of adults, paediatricians and gynaecologists of the GHS.
The information was sent following instructions from the Ministry of Health, (under whose responsibility vaccinations fall), for the management of the shortage.
Available doses exclusively for pregnant women
The most important decision concerns the absolute priority given to the vaccination of pregnant women.
As characteristically stated in the HIO briefing, "the availability of these vaccines will only be made available to personal adult doctors for the vaccination of pregnant women, exclusively".
In fact, spouses, partners or other members of the family environment are temporarily not included in the priority groups.
Specifically, the HIO clarifies that, "at this stage, the family environment, (including the spouse/partner), is not among the priority people for vaccination".
The HIO notes that there will be a new update if the restrictions are modified.
According to the information received by the HIO from the competent stock assurance company and the Directorate of Purchases and Supplies of the Ministry of Health, "the restoration of the shortage is placed in the last week of November 2026".
