Date: March 5th 2004

PREVNAR SHORTAGE

The Centers for Disease Control announced this week
the manufacturers of the popular Prevnar vaccine are
experiencing a severe shortage.

Prevnar vaccine protects against 7 forms of the
bacteria called Strep pneumoniae which causes ear
infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, blood
infections, and meningitis. Four doses of the vaccine
are given to infants and toddlers to provide optimal
protection from disease. With the shortage, the CDC
recommends that only the first 2 doses be given to
each child in order to at least partially protect
them. Children who are at high risk of serious
infection will still receive all 4 doses. Since
licensure in 2000, studies have shown that 3 doses are
very protective against serious infection. It is
uncertain how effective 2 doses will be.

The shortage is expected to last several months. The
manufacturer and health care providers will set up a
call back procedure to notify families to bring their
child in for booster doses when the vaccine shortage
is over.

For more information on Prevnar and Strep pneumoniae
infections, check out Baby 411, Chapter 12.

=====
Ari Brown, MD
Co-Author of Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby's First Year
Now available at all major bookstores and amazon.com.
Check it out on the web at www.baby411.com.



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