MnVFC Announcement: TdVax Discontinued and Td Vaccine Supply Limited; COVID Lots Expiring

Minnesota Department of Health

MnVFC Announcement

March 7, 2024

TdVax discontinued and Td vaccine supply limited

MassBiologics has discontinued production of TdVaxTM, their Td vaccine for the prevention of tetanus and diphtheria. Supply of all three Td vaccine presentations (TdVax vials, Tenivac vials, and Tenivac syringes) is currently limited through the MnVFC and UUAV programs. All Td will need to be requested using a Special Vaccine Order Form which can be obtained by emailing health.mnvfc@state.mn.us.

Please note that Tdap vaccine, which is an alternative to Td vaccine in most circumstances, is currently available without supply constraints. The limited supply of Td vaccine needs to be preserved for those with a contraindication to receiving pertussis-containing vaccines. To assist vaccination providers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed the following guidance:

  • Transition to use of Tdap vaccine in lieu of Td vaccine whenever possible while Td vaccine supplies are constrained.
  • Tdap vaccine is an acceptable alternative to Td vaccine, including when a tetanus booster is indicated for wound management.
  • Tdap vaccine is not an acceptable alternative only when a person has a specific contraindication to pertussis-containing vaccines, which is very rare.

Note: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently approved off-label use of Td in children less than 7 years of age who have a contraindication to pertussis-containing vaccine. Materials will be updated when the MMWR is published.

COVID lots expiring

Some of the current 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is expiring soon. Make sure to pay attention to expiration dates. Once the vaccine has expired, remove it from your storage unit, report the vaccine as nonviable in MIIC, and return it using the electronic shipping label provided.

Vaccine with longer expiration dates is still available for ordering. Requests can be placed in MIIC in the COVID special ordering events. These requests are filled on a weekly basis and supply is plentiful.

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MnVFC Program | 651-201-5522 or 1-800-657-3970 | www.health.state.mn.us/vfc