The PSNC has warned community pharmacies that increased demand has meant supplies of Pneumovax 23 pre-filled syringes (PFS) are “very limited” until January.

The supply notification was issued by the Department of Health and Social Care for 23 valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax 23) pre-filled syringes.

The negotiator said an agreement has been struck between the DHSC, Public Health England, NHS England and Improvement, AAH and the product’s manufacturer Merck Sharp and Dohme Limited to put in place “maximum ordering quotas".

The PSNC said was designed “to ensure equitable and appropriate distribution during this period” although it added there is “an override procedure in place for these quotas to fulfil orders for individuals in high risk clinical groups” as set out in PHE’s guidance.