The Department of Health and Social Care has said supplies of Pneumovax 23 pre-filled syringes will be out of stock until the middle of next month.

Increased demand meant limited supplies of the syringes were very limited until January this year, which led to maximum ordering quotas being put in place by Merck Sharp and Dohme Limited and the wholesaler AAH.

The PSNC said this was done “to ensure equitable and appropriate distribution” but pharmacies have now been advised they are out of stock until mid-May.