Hungarian clinics dangerously short on tetanus shots

Tetanus injections are currently in short supply in Hungarian heath clinics, in part due to spring's "playground mishap season," writes radio.hu.

It is not the first time there has been an inoculation shortage of the booster given to those who step on rusty nails or otherwise face the risk of contracting tetanus. At the end of last year, some outpatient clinics spent weeks without supplies. But last year's shortage had less of an impact - and caused less of an outcry - as it fell outside of the "outdoor season" during which demand for the shots is highest, especially from injured children.

According to officials of the pharmacists' association, the current shortage is also due to the fact that since 2005 the shots have not been produced in Hungary, and instead imported from a supplier in Germany that has been unable to keep up with its orders. But the manufacturer reportedly promises to deliver a new shipment of shots by next week.

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