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March 18, 2002

CLARIFICATION ON VACCINE SUPPLY ISSUES

The latest information about vaccine supply issues can be obtained at: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/news/shortages.  VARICELLA

VACCINE: Although the duration of the varicella vaccine shortage is uncertain, Merck & Co. predicts that the shortage will be resolved by late spring or early summer, 2002.  Interim ACIP recommendation: Until adequate supplies of varicella vaccine are available, ACIP recommends that all immunization providers in the US delay administration of the routine childhood varicella vaccine dose from age 12-15 months until age 18-24 months.  MMR VACCINE: Although the duration of the shortage is uncertain, the manufacturer predicts that problems with the MMR vaccine supply should be resolved in 1-3 months.  Interim ACIP Recommendation for Use of MMR Vaccine:  Two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least one month and administered on or after the first birthday, are recommended for children, adolescents, and adults who lack adequate documentation of vaccination or other acceptable evidence of immunity.  The first dose is recommended at age 12-15 months and the second dose at age 4-6 years.  If providers are unable to obtain sufficient amounts of MMR vaccine to implement fully ACIP recommendations for MMR vaccination. ACIP recommends that they defer the second dose of MMR vaccine. Because of the severity of measles in young children, providers should not delay administration of the first dose of the MMR series.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS 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.