Importing Tripacel/Daptacel (DTaP) via Special Access Scheme?

[Mif]

Hi. Like many of you, I have done extensive research regarding whooping cough and vaccines available for infants (basically, the Infanrix combo vaccines). I read the previous threads on this issue and wondered if anybody had any success importing, with the help of your GP via the Special Access Scheme, Tripacel or Daptacel (two DTaP vaccines). I called up TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) about getting Tripacel or Daptacel and they informed me that my GP could make a request. My concern is that even if TGA approved the request it would be difficult to ensure that the vaccine is transported with a reliable cold chain. Does anyone know of companies that could provide this service? Alternatively, TGA stated that I could personally transport the vaccines with an approval letter from TGA (again via the Special Access Scheme). Has anyone tried to do this?

I really don't want to give my baby Infanrix IPV (or any of the other Infanrix combo vaccines) as it contains a very high amount of aluminum. I'm considering traveling with him to the US just to give him Daptacel (which has half the amount of aluminum compared to Infanrix) but logistically and financially it would be very difficult.

Any other ideas on how to obtain Tripacel or Daptacel would be much appreciated.

Many thanks!

[melbel]

I cant answer your special access question but i do have some experience importing refrigerated medication as i was on a new insulin for a while before it was released here in AUS. I was importing from germany and it was a guaranteed 24 hr from time of shipping and is shipped as a medical priority with special cold packs that are guaranteed for at least 24 hrs. Would be less than 24 hrs door to door and they wont drop unless you are home cos it has to be kept cold (once they left it with my neighbour I think).....I would think it should be fine transported like this......

[Mif]

Thanks Melanie. May I ask the name of the company you used to ship the insulin?

[melbel]

not sure......the drug company handled it through a medical courier.

[newmamma]

Did you manage to find a way to get Daptacel? My DD has received her first 2 shot of this overseas and now needs her 3rd but we are now in Australia...