If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

Sometimes the amount of a certain vaccine cannot keep up with the number of people who need it. Vaccine shortages can affect certain areas of the country or the country as a whole. A shortage may last a few days to several months.

What causes vaccine shortages?

In Canada, vaccine shortages are rare.  When it does happen, it can be because:

• There is an issue in the making of a batch of vaccine
• There was a problem found in a sample of vaccine.
• An outbreak of a disease increases demand.

What happens during a vaccine shortage?

Your healthcare provider will receive information about the shortage, how long it will last and what to do until new supplies arrive. Typically, the vaccine supply is not completely wiped out–there are just fewer doses than usual. During this time, healthcare providers give vaccines first to the people who need them most. This list may include the elderly, very young children, pregnant women, people who have certain medical problems and people who plan to travel to other countries. Other people are put on a waiting list and are called in to the healthcare provider’s office when the vaccine is available.

How can I get more information?

If you have any questions about vaccine shortages, talk to your healthcare provider. They can give you information about the ways a shortage might affect you, your family and your community.

More information is available at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/vaccine-supply.html .

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Government of Canada website:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/vaccine-supply.html