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June 12, 2002
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Shortage of Vaccines May Affect Students"
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (home.post-dispatch.com) (06/10/02) P. A1; Collins, James
The vaccine shortage in the United States, spurred by changes in the pharmaceutical industry, is making it difficult for students to receive some state-mandated vaccinations. In addition to shortages of the standard tetanus-diphtheria booster shot, Missouri and federal officials also anticipate shortages of the chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines. There is also a short supply of Prevnar, a new vaccine that fights ear infections in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some states are rationing existing stockpiles, while officials in others states like Illinois have postponed certain vaccination requirements for students. Though health officials say the vaccine shortage does not pose an immediate public health risk, they concede that the shortage could become a problem if vaccine supplies are not replenished soon and if demand continues to exceed supply.
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OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.