Health
Despite shortage of Hib vaccine, CDC urges primary dose for infants
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted April 6, 2009
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an advisory March 18 urging physicians to be vigilant about ensuring all young children are vaccinated with the three-dose primary series against Haemophilus influenzae type b.
A nationwide shortage of the vaccine, which began in December of 2007 and is ongoing, resulted in the CDC asking that the Hib booster, recommended for 12- to 15-month-old children, be temporarily deferred for those not at high risk for infection.
Although the recommendation for booster deferral remains, the agency said there is enough vaccine for all infants to receive the primary series by 7 months.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/04/06/hlbf0406.htm.
