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June 14, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"State Grappling With Shortage of Popular New Infant Vaccine" Associated Press (www.ap.org) (06/12/02); Peter, Jennifer

A national shortage of the pneumococcal vaccine Prevnar caused supplies to run out in Massachusetts last month.  Even though the Prevnar supply has since increased in the state, officials there are suggesting temporarily reducing the number of doses given to below the level recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics

(AAP) to stretch out the supply.  The AAP advises that all children receive four doses of the vaccine, given at two months, four months, six months, and 12 to 15 months of age; however, because of the shortage, Massachusetts is recommending delaying one or more of the shots, depending on the baby's age, although children at the greatest risk--such as those with sickle cell anemia or HIV--should receive all four doses.  After two years of use in Massachusetts, Prevnar has decreased the occurrence of pneumococcal infections in the state by 50 percent, according to Pejman Talebian, manager of the state Department of Public Health's Immunization program.

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