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May 15, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Vaccine Shortage Hits Adults"

Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com) (05/15/02) P. D1; Petersen, Andrea

The current shortage of various vaccines in the United States is worrying for both children and adults.  Even before the current shortage, many adults were not receiving the recommended number of vaccines.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 40,000 adults in the United States die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases.  By contrast, only about 100 children die each year from preventable diseases.  Part of the reason for this disparity is the fact that some vaccine-preventable diseases, such as pneumococcal and influenza, are actually far more lethal for adults.  Every year, for example, over 20,000 people in the United States die after contracting the flu.  At the same time, however, only about two-thirds of adults actually receive annual flu shots.

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.