The reports from the two pharmaceutical companies were published on the Health Canada drug shortage website, last updated on March 22. Accordingly, Merck said the vaccine is only enough for the public vaccination program, the shortage will last until April 19. Meanwhile, GSK said the shots are not available for the private market, and it is not yet possible to predict when there will be enough vaccine supply.

The companies did not provide information on the quantity of the shortage. Additionally, Merck reported a shortage of its combination chickenpox and measles vaccine from March 22 to April 19.

The vaccine used in Canada is MMR, which means it combines mumps, measles, and rubella in one shot. When given in two doses, the vaccine is nearly 100% effective in preventing the disease.

Last week, the two companies predicted shortages due to increased demand, with GSK noting that global demand for vaccines has outpaced supply.

"The MMR vaccine is complex and difficult to scale up production when there is an urgent need. We expect this situation to continue throughout 2024 and 2025," said a GSK representative.

Responding to the press, Health Canada confirmed that there are enough vaccines to maintain public vaccination and increase. The shortage only occurs in service vaccination, which accounts for a very small part of the total demand.

The agency also said Merck and GSK have consulted on MMR supply availability, and are working closely with manufacturers, provinces and territories and stakeholders to monitor further.

Canada declared measles eliminated in 1998 after completing a mass vaccination campaign. By early March 2024, officials had recorded 26 cases and one case of rubella, up from 2023. Many experts say a sharp decline in vaccination rates is the main reason measles is back in the country.

Around the world, many countries have also recorded an increase in infections. The US has 64 cases from the beginning of 2024 to March 21; the UK has 789 cases from October 1, 2023 to March 21; the Philippines has 569 cases of measles and rubella as of February 24.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a possible measles resurgence in 2024-2025, based on case statistics from 2023. According to the WHO report, Europe recorded more than 300,000 cases in 2023, an increase of more than 30 times compared to 2022; the Western Pacific region saw a 255% increase in cases from 2022 to 2023. Data for the first three months of 2024 have not been released.

Chile (According to Global News, CBC )