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September 18, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Report: Shortages of Childhood Vaccines Could Become Epidemic" USA Today (www.usatoday.com) (09/18/02) P. 9D; Manning, Anita

A General Accounting Office (GAO) report warns that the U.S. supply of childhood vaccines is delicate and subject to repeated shortages due to production problems, manufacturer dropouts, policy changes, and unexpected demand.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises up to 20 vaccine doses for children's first 18 months of life, and while shortages have been resolved for all but one vaccine, the report notes that "the potential exists for shortages to recur" and that missed vaccinations could result in disease outbreaks.  The GAO says that the CDC and vaccine manufacturers should work together to build and keep a stockpile of childhood vaccines, and suggests that the Food and Drug Administration consider fast-track approval of new vaccines.

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