Notice to Readers Reinstatement of Regular
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine Schedule
The status of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine
availability in the United States and interim recommendations of
the
U.S. Public Health Service Interagency Group to Monitor Vaccine
Development, Production, and Usage were recently reported (1).
This
statement recommended postponement of administration of the DTP
vaccine doses usually given at ages 18 months and 4-6 years (fourth
and fifth doses) until greater supplies are available.
Since November 1984, Lederle Laboratories has been distributing
its own DTP vaccine, as well as that manufactured by Wyeth
Laboratories. By following the recommendation of the Interagency
Group, the quantities distributed have been sufficient to reduce
the
threat of critical shortages. On April 25, Connaught Laboratories
announced its resumption of full-scale distribution of DTP vaccine
and
the availability of 2.2 million doses for immediate shipment.
Connaught Laboratories will continue to produce vaccine at a level
that will help meet U.S. needs.
Projected production schedules for the manufacturers indicate
that
supplies of DTP vaccine should be adequate to provide the normally
recommended fourth and fifth doses of DTP and to provide the needed
catch-up doses for children who have had them deferred.
In view of these developments, after consultation with members
of
the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee and Committee on
Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the
Interagency Group now feels that the interim recommendations no
longer
apply. Immunization providers should resume administration of the
complete DTP schedule and implement recall procedures for children
under 7 years of age whose fourth (18 month) and fifth (4-6 years)
doses were deferred. It is especially important to make every
effort
to provide DTP vaccine doses to such children scheduled to enter
kindergarten or first grade in the fall.
Reference
CDC. Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine shortage--United
States. MMWR 1984;33:695-6.
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