MPs issue warning over vaccines

There have been shortages of some vaccines

The NHS may be in danger of running out of key vaccines, MPs have warned.

The Commons public accounts committee says the Department of Health relies on too few companies for essential jabs.

In a report, it urged ministers to do more to protect supplies and to ensure people can be protected against diseases like measles and meningitis.

The Department of Health said the lack of suppliers was a global problem. It said it was taking steps to ensure the NHS has adequate stocks.

Controversial contract

The MPs also investigated the government's controversial decision to award a £32.5m contract for smallpox vaccine to the pharmaceutical company PowderJect.

The decision sparked controversy when it was announced in April 2002 because its then chief executive Paul Drayson had donated £100,000 to the Labour Party.

We take very seriously the need to maintain vaccine supplies. Spokesman, Department of Health

In their report, the MPs said they found no evidence of any wrongdoing.

However, they said government officials could have done more to show they were getting good value for money.

The Department of Health spends over £195m each year buying vaccines for the NHS in England.

Ten companies supply the 16 vaccines that are routinely used, such as the MMR jab.

The lack of suppliers has seen the NHS run into problems in the past.

The BCG vaccination programme in schools was halted in September 1999 because of shortages. It didn't resume for another two years.

Conservative MP David Leigh, chairman of the public accounts committee, said he was concerned about the lack of suppliers.

Dependence

"I find it very worrying that dependence on a small number of suppliers is increasing the risk of vaccines being unavailable and immunisation programmes being interrupted.

"The department relies on just 10 companies for 16 essential vaccines. In most cases, supplies have been delivered as required but there have been shortages," he said.

"I urge the department to minimise the risk of shortages, by making the necessary investment to assure long term availability."

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "We take very seriously the need to maintain vaccine supplies.

"Having more manufacturers does not necessarily mean there won't be shortages.

"The department undertakes close monitoring of stocks and has discussions with manufacturers so we can anticipate shortages and take steps to overcome them as necessary."

A report by the National Audit Office published earlier this month said a spate of mergers meant there were now fewer suppliers of vaccines.

It said few pharmaceutical companies were willing to manufacture vaccines because they were less profitable than other drugs.

Dr Nigel Higson, chairman of the Primary Care Virology Group, said doctors were concerned about potential shortages.

"It worries me considerably," he told BBC News Online.

"We have had shortages of most vaccines at various times. The government needs to decide if it is going to manufacture or subsidise vaccines to ensure supply."