March 8, 2002 - Update on Vaccine Shortages

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said today that the duration of a varicella vaccine shortage is uncertain, though the manufacturer, Merck & Co., predicts the shortage will be resolved by late spring or early summer. As of March 4, approximately 1.1 million doses were on back order, and Merck estimates it will take an average of 60 days to fill these orders. Meanwhile, shortages are expected nationwide. Noting that the highest incidence of varicella is among school-age children, the CDC is recommending vaccination of susceptible children aged 5 to 12 years, particularly children entering school and adolescents aged 11-12 years. The CDC notes that states may elect to provide guidance on priority cohorts for vaccination.

Another vaccine, the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, is currently in short supply but that shortage is expected to be resolved in one to three months. Meanwhile, the CDC recommends administration of the first dose in the two-dose MMR regimen at age 12-15 months, because of the severity of measles in young children, but deferral of the second dose, which is recommended at 4-6 years.

Records should be kept for children who experience a delay in vaccination as the result of the shortages, so they can be recalled when vaccines become available.