Childhood Vaccine: Ensuring an Adequate Supply Poses Continuing Challenges

The federal government plays a variety of roles in immunization programs, one of the leading public health achievements of the 20th century, including ensuring the adequacy of the nation's vaccine supply -- a matter of increasing concern in recent years. In late 2001, the CDC reported shortages in 5 of the 8 recommended childhood vaccines. Concerned about the increasing frequency of these shortages, this report examines: (1) to what extent have recent childhood vaccine shortages affected immunization policies & programs?; (2) what factors have contributed to the recent shortages, & have they been resolved?; & (3) what strategies are federal agencies considering to help mitigate disruptions in the vaccine supply? Tables.Janet Heinrich is the author of 'Childhood Vaccine: Ensuring an Adequate Supply Poses Continuing Challenges' with ISBN 9780756728403 and ISBN 0756728401.