Update from CDC: Hib vaccine shortage (April 23, 2008)

Department of Health and Human Services
Public Health Service
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Please remember that revised Hib recommendations are NOT office-specific—these affect the whole country.

Do not give the Hib vaccine booster to healthy children aged 12-15 months. Stocking vaccine to give the booster dose during the shortage can take away from providers who are struggling to provide the primary series. Continue to give booster to high-risk children with asplenia, sickle cell disease, HIV, other immune syndromes, or those who are Alaskan or Native American.

Don’t miss an opportunity. Use what vaccine you have when appropriate. Do not turn away patients recommended to receive vaccine during the shortage; more vaccine is coming.

Plan for when the shortage is over. Utilize best practice/recall-reminder systems and review the catch-up schedule: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/child-schedule.htm#catchup.

Manufacturers are working closely with agencies within HHS to address Hib supply issues. CDC will communicate updates on Hib vaccine supply as soon as they are available.

URL: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/shortages/downloads/hib-flyer-042308.doc