Potential Tetanus Vaccine Shortage: CDC Urges Doctors to Conserve Shots
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm on a potential shortage of tetanus vaccines this year. In response, the agency is urging doctors to conserve shots and make a switch to a broader vaccine whenever possible. The shortage risk arises from the decision by nonprofit vaccinemaker MassBiologics to discontinue production of its Td vaccine, branded as TdVax.
Supplies of the tetanus vaccine are expected to run low as early as this summer, according to the CDC. Jeanne Santoli of the CDC’s Immunization Services Division stated, “It’s available through June, through sometime in June, but it won’t be available beyond that.” This news has raised concerns among healthcare professionals and the general public alike.
The decline in demand for the Td vaccine is one of the main reasons behind MassBiologics’ decision to stop producing TdVax. With the availability of newer and often pricier Tdap vaccines, doctors have been switching to these alternatives. Sarah Wiley, a spokesperson for MassBiologics, explained that “similar vaccines have led to a reduction in demand” for TdVax. It is important to note that the decision to discontinue production was unrelated to previous disruptions caused by scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration over some lots manufactured by MassBiologics.
Grifols, the distributor of TdVax, has marketed it as an alternative for doctors treating patients with wounds when Tdap isn’t necessary. However, with the discontinuation of TdVax, doctors will have to explore other options. Sanofi, another vaccine maker, used to produce a version of the vaccine that protected against both diphtheria and tetanus. However, they stopped making this particular shot in 2020 and exhausted their supply by the end of 2022.
The CDC acknowledges that not everyone can receive the Tdap vaccine as a booster shot for tetanus. Some individuals face a “very rare” risk of developing encephalopathy, a type of brain damage, from the pertussis component of Tdap vaccines. Those who have experienced encephalopathy after vaccination are advised to avoid future pertussis shots, leaving them with no other option for a tetanus booster. The CDC emphasizes the need to preserve the limited supply of Td vaccine for individuals who cannot receive pertussis-containing vaccines.
Sanofi has committed to increasing its supply of Tenivac, the only remaining Td vaccine available to U.S. patients. However, the CDC warns that this may not be sufficient to prevent a constrained market for tetanus and diphtheria-only shots. A spokesperson from Sanofi confirmed that they are taking steps to augment their available supply but did not provide specific figures. To manage the supply gap, ordering limits are being imposed on both public and private sector orders.
Tetanus, caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani found in soil, can be a serious and potentially fatal infection. The bacteria’s spores are resistant to heat and disinfectants, making prevention through vaccination crucial. Tetanus infection often presents with symptoms such as “lockjaw,” where the muscles spasm and tighten painfully due to the toxins attacking the brain and nervous system. Survivors of tetanus can take months to recover from the infection.
Thanks to widespread vaccination efforts, cases of tetanus have significantly decreased over the years. In 2023, there were only 15 reported cases, and in 2022, there were 28 cases. The CDC estimates that 92.7% of kindergarteners nationwide received one of the tetanus vaccines for the 2022-2023 school year. Among adults, approximately 64.2% reported receiving their Td or Tdap shots in 2022.
The potential shortage of tetanus vaccines raises concerns about the availability of this crucial preventive measure. Healthcare providers and individuals must be aware of the situation and work together to ensure that those who need the vaccine the most can receive it. The CDC’s guidance to conserve shots and explore alternative options is a proactive approach to mitigate the impact of the shortage. Efforts by vaccine makers like Sanofi to increase supply are commendable, but more needs to be done to prevent a constrained market for tetanus and diphtheria-only shots. As we navigate these challenges, it is essential to prioritize public health and ensure that individuals are protected against preventable diseases like tetanus.
