The impact of Bacille Calmette-Guerin shortage on immunisation practice and policies in Europe - A Paediatric Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group (ptbnet) survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recent reports indicate an ongoing BCG shortage that may influence immunisation practice. This study aimed to determine current availability of BCG vaccine across Europe, and implications on immunisation practices and policies in Europe. METHODS: Web-based survey among Paediatric Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group (ptbnet) members, between May and October 2015. RESULTS: Twenty individuals from 13 European countries participated. Ongoing shortages were reported in eight countries routinely using BCG (8/11, 73%). As a consequence of the shortage, BCG was not given as completely unavailable in some countries (2/8, 25%), was given only whenever available (1/8, 13%), or only i..