Currently, the only varicella vaccine product available in the U.S. is the live virus sold as Varivax® (Merck). The vaccine is administered as a single injection to children between 12 months and 13 years of age and as a two- injection series to at-risk adults (see Figure 1).
Continue reading " Principles for Managing Vaccine Shortages: Varicella Virus Vaccine Live "
The two different formulations of pneumococcal vaccines currently available in the U.S. are pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 7-valent, also called PCV7 and sold as Prevnar® (Wyeth-Lederle), and pneumococcal 23-valent vaccine (Pneumovax 23® [Merck] and Pnu-Immune-23® [Wyeth-Lederle]). The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 7-valent is a conjugated vaccine, rendering it more immunogenic in infants and children younger than 2 [...]
In this section, we discuss specific agents that are currently affected by problems of supply.
Continue reading " Principles for Managing Vaccine Shortages: Vaccines Currently in Short Supply "
Introduction Vaccines are a cost-effective means of preventing many infectious diseases. Successful vaccination campaigns are credited with eradicating life-threatening diseases such as polio and smallpox from the Western Hemisphere. Unfortunately, recent vaccine shortages may threaten the success of current immunization programs.
Continue reading " Principles for Managing Vaccine Shortages "
