Federal Ministry of Health identifies supply shortage of Ebola vaccines

The Federal Ministry of Health determined a supply shortage of authorized vaccines and therapeutics against Ebola virus diseases in the Federal Gazette on September 2, 2026. The announcement of August 17, 2026, is based on Section 79 Paragraph 5 of the Medicines Act (AMG) and was published under the official reference BAnz AT 02.09.2026 B4. It enables the competent authorities of the federal states to deviate from the requirements of the AMG on a temporary, case-by-case basis.

Background of the Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) most recently declared a public health emergency of international concern in May 2026 due to Ebola fever outbreaks. An infection with Ebola viruses can cause a life-threatening illness. In Germany, according to the Ministry’s determination, there is a shortage of authorized vaccines and therapeutics for the specific prophylaxis and treatment of Ebola virus diseases.

Legal Consequences for the Federal States

The determination of the supply shortage allows the competent authorities of the federal states, in accordance with Section 79 Paragraphs 5 and 6 of the AMG, to permit a temporary deviation from the requirements of the Medicines Act in individual cases. This allows for the use of unauthorized medicinal products or deviating applications in the supply situation to ensure vaccination and treatment provision.

• Legal basis: Section 79 Paragraphs 5 and 6 AMG
• Scope of application: competent authorities of the federal states
• Extent: temporary deviation in individual cases
• Objective: ensuring the prophylaxis and treatment of Ebola virus diseases

Superseding the Previous Announcement

The previous announcement of November 28, 2014 (BAnz AT 01.12.2014 B4) is repealed and replaced by the new publication. The Federal Ministry of Health will issue a new announcement once the supply shortage no longer exists. The announcement was drafted in Bonn on August 17, 2026, and signed on behalf of Dr. Lars Nickel.

Significance for Care

The regulation creates the legal framework for the federal states to react flexibly to bottlenecks in Ebola vaccines and therapeutics in the current emergency. For patients and the healthcare system, this means easier availability of medicinal products for specific prophylaxis and treatment as long as the determined supply shortage persists.

Source: Federal Gazette, issue of September 2, 2026, Official Part, p. 1 (official reference: BAnz AT 02.09.2026 B4).