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For Immediate Release: May 22, 2003 (03-091)
Contacts:
Cindy Gleason, Immunization
Program 360-236-3569
Deanna Whitman, Communications
Office 360-236-4022
Childhood pneumococcal vaccine supply back to normal
OLYMPIA ¾ Supply is back to normal for the pneumococcal vaccine that protects against pneumonia, meningitis, middle ear infections and some blood stream infections in children. For almost two years, the manufacturer was unable to meet the demand for the vaccine PCV-7, otherwise known as Prevnar. Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Washington State Department of Health has announced that there is enough PCV-7 vaccine available to meet the need for routinely vaccinating children, and providing catch-up doses for children that had doses delayed due to the shortages.
Healthcare providers should return to the routine immunization schedule for PCV-7 as recommended by the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Deferral of the fourth dose of PCV-7 is no longer necessary. A revised schedule on the CDC Web site ( http://www.cdc.gov/nip/recs/child-catchup.pdf ) includes guidance regarding catch-up for children who did not complete the series due to the shortages.
"It’s very important that children be fully protected with appropriate vaccines," said State Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes. "Now is the time for kids who missed doses of Prevnar to get back on schedule and up to date."
Use of the PCV-7 vaccine has been associated with a 69 percent decline in invasive pneumococcal disease among children younger than two years old. The vaccine is recommended for all children younger than two. Children two to five years old who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease (e.g., children with sickle cell disease, suppressed immune systems, no spleen, chronic illness, or a cerebrospinal fluid leak) should also be vaccinated. Priority should also be given to children of Alaska Native, American Indian, or African-American descent, and those who attend group child care.
Dr. Hayes also reminds parents and health care providers that children who missed doses of the vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and whopping cough (DTaP) due to the shortages should see their health care provider to be fully immunized against these diseases.
More information is available on the Department of Health Immunization Web
site
(
http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/default.htm ).
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