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October 21, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Doctors Cite Shortage in Basic Vaccines"

Boston Globe (www.boston.com/globe) (10/20/02) P. A22; Smith, Stephen

Reserves of both the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and the chickenpox vaccine rebounded to sufficient levels after experiencing a shortage, but the pneumococcal disease vaccine is in dangerously low supply with no sign of recovery until early next year.  The reasons for the shortages range from miscalculations and conflicts between drug companies and federal regulators.  About 25 percent of parents believe a child's immune system is weakened by vaccinations, and 23 percent of parents believe the required vaccinations are too numerous for children; therefore, it is frustrating for physicians to deny parents who actually want vaccinations for their children due to lack of supply.  Parents often read in articles on the Internet or elsewhere that vaccines cause ailments in children, and the best way for physicians and the medical community to react is to provide scientific evidence showing the benefits of vaccines without unduly dismissing their fears.

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