Why is there a shortage of tetanus vaccine?
During 2000, one of the pharmaceutical companies that manufactured tetanus vaccine stopped producing it. This left only one company to produce tetanus vaccine for the entire country. This company increased production to accommodate all of the needs of the United States. However, it requires about 11 months for the vaccine to be ready for release. • When will the problem be solved? The shortage should end in early 2002. • What if I, or my child, steps on a nail or has a cut that requires tetanus vaccine? Most children who have received their routine vaccinations will be protected by DTaP. Also, the manufacturer is ensuring that adequate vaccine will still be available for adolescents and adults who need it most. This includes people with injuries and puncture wounds. • Are there other reasons that my family or I might need tetanus vaccine? Other people who should get the vaccine include: • people traveling to a country where the risk for diphtheria is high (tetanus and diphtheria vaccin
