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May 13, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Smallpox Vaccine Production on Target"

Reuters Health Information Services (www.reutershealth.com) (05/09/02); Hitt, Emma

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that because vaccine production has accelerated since Sept. 11, the actual number of smallpox vaccines may exceed 200 million. The final supply will be derived from four sources, including U.K.-based Cambia, which will produce two new vaccines, called Acam1000 and Acam 2000; Wyeth, which produces Dryvax; and Aventis Pasteur, which recently [announced having] discovered a 40-year-old vaccine supply containing 70 million to 90 million doses.  The Acam vaccines have been given investigational new drug status and are currently in Phase 2 trials.

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.