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Vaccine stores again are OK

By LAURA ZAVALA
lzavala@yourclearwave.com

Monday, September 16, 2002
     HARRISBURG - Dozens of local students were affected by last year's tetanus vaccine shortage. Now that the shortage appears to be over, local school officials are issuing a reminder to students -- get vaccinated or you won't be allowed to come to school.
      The tetanus shot is required prior to a pupil entering kindergarten, with a booster shot in 10 years.
      "After the child receives the booster on or after their 4th birthday, they get the booster in 10 years, right around their freshman year," said Debbie Sullivan, Harrisburg C.U.S.D. Unit No. 3 school nurse. "The shortage last year affected everyone ... all freshman last year were deferred."
      The shortage was created when one of the pharmaceutical companies that produced the tetanus vaccine stopped making it in 2000, leaving only one manufacturer. This sole manufacturer increased production in an attempt to cover all the country's needs. However, it takes 11 months for the vaccine to be ready for release, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
      By law, students are required to have the shot or have a deferment notice from their health provider that the vaccine was not available.
      Local health department officials say they currently have plenty to go around.
      "Yes, we have an adequate supply today of the tetanus booster that we've had just since probably the middle of the summer," said LaDonna Oxford, R.N. with Egyptian Health Department. "We have had enough thus far, and we have not had any notice that we have another shortage."
      Oxford said coffers were restocked with the vaccine following last April's tornado in Galatia.
      "We got about 100 doses and we offered it to the students helping in the cleanup on the (deferment) list," Oxford said.
      A few Galatia students received the vaccine, however, plenty was left over, which the health department was allowed to keep. That may have paid off for new Galatia School Nurse Melinda Teal, who is currently looking into how many of her students still need the vaccine.
      "What I am finding this far is I don't have anybody who is not in compliance," she said.
      Both Carrier Mills School Nurse Sue Field and Eldorado School Nurse Pat Coffee have been vigilant about sending out letters and reminding students and parents of their responsibilities.
      "I kind of sit on them until I get the deferment or the vaccine," said Field, who explained Carrier Mills only had about a half-dozen students affected by the shortage.
      Per state law, a student without a deferment or the shot will not be allowed to attend school past Oct. 15. Students should see their health care provider, or call Egyptian Health Department at 273-3326.