In February 2004, production of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), marketed as Prevnar® and manufactured by Wyeth Vaccines (Collegeville, Pennsylvania), failed to meet demand, resulting in shortages. To conserve the limited supply, CDC recommended that the fourth dose of PCV7 be withheld from healthy children (1). In March, because evidence indicated that production would be curtailed for several months, CDC recommended that the third dose also be withheld (2). Production problems now appear to have been resolved. As a result, deliveries are projected during the near term to permit the recommendation that every child receive 3 doses. Some providers might have short-term difficulties obtaining vaccine because of distribution delays; however, every effort will be made to provide sufficient vaccine to all providers.
- Recommendation
- Americas
- United States of America
- Pneumococcal disease
