Wyeth spokeswoman Rachel David cautioned against panic and said anyone who had been exposed to the bacteria would be able to obtain an emergency supply of Meningitec.

"But we can't guarantee a supply for anyone except in an emergency," Dr David said.

"We are doing our best to get further supplies, but there is a global shortage."

Dr David said other treatments were also available for those exposed to the virus, including antibiotics and a shorter-acting vaccine.

Drug manufacturer ACL yesterday said supplies of the shorter-acting vaccine were available, but it was unsuitable for young children.

There have been 14 confirmed cases of meningococcal infection in Tasmania this year -- eight belonged to the vaccine-preventable C strain.

More than 16,000 people have been vaccinated against meningococcal in Tasmania this year -- up from 2000 vaccinations last year.

Demand for the type C vaccine, which has only been on the market for a few months, recently skyrocketed in the United Kingdom after a British government decision to place it on the national vaccine schedule.

Pharmacy Guild spokeswoman Louise Sullivan yesterday said availability of the type C vaccine had changed overnight.

On Thursday, Ms Sullivan said reported shortages were unfounded.

But Ms Sullivan said Wyeth had contacted her yesterday to say they had run out of supplies in Australia and were only issuing the vaccine in emergencies.

Australia has a emergency supply of about 10,000 batches.

There are now 35,000 doses on back-order, nationwide.

Ms Sullivan said a shipment of the type C vaccine was due from the United States in the next couple of weeks.

"People should be assured that if they come in contact with meningococcal, they will be able to get an emergency vaccine," Ms Sullivan said. "There is no way they won't get it (the vaccine)."

Public Health acting director Avner Misrachi said a number of pharmaceutical companies were in the process of seeking approval for vaccines similar to Meningitec.

"Tasmania will continue to work with Australian authorities to ensure that as soon as new vaccine supplies become available we are given high priority for distribution," Dr Misrachi said.