|
News
> Vaccine Shortages
Updated
Recommendations on the Use of
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in a Setting
of Vaccine Shortage
March
2, 2004
On
February 13, 2004, CDC recommended that health-care
providers temporarily suspend routine use of
the fourth dose of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate
vaccine (PCV7) when immunizing healthy children.
This action was taken to minimize the likelihood
of shortages until Wyeth Vaccines is able to
restore production capacity. Since that recommendation
was issued, PCV7 production has been much less
than had been expected and shipments have been
delayed resulting in shortages of vaccine. Widespread
shortages may continue beyond this summer. To
further conserve vaccine, CDC, in consultation
with the American Academy of Family Physicians,
the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices, recommends
that all health-care providers temporarily suspend
routine use of both the third and fourth doses,
effective immediately. It is critical that all
providers immediately follow this recommendation,
regardless of their current vaccine supply. Children
at increase risk of severe disease should continue
to receive the routine, 4-dose series. On March
5, 2004, CDC will publish an MMWR
article describing this revised recommendation.
This recommendation reflects CDC’s assessment
of the existing national PCV7 supply and may
be changed if the supply changes. Updated information
about the national PCV7 supply is available at
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/news/shortages/default.htm.
|
