This statement is in follow-up to an earlier announcement regarding supply limitations of the single-dose yellow fever vaccine (YF-VAX®) manufactured by sanofi pasteur (Swiftwater, PA). In March 2008, sanofi pasteur resumed production of single-dose vials of YF-VAX® after they had experienced a temporary halt in production. As of June 2008, sanofi pasteur notified CDC that they have now increased inventory and ordering limits for the single-dose vial product.

Sanofi pasteur has indicated that the 5-dose vials of YF-VAX® vaccine are also available. As a reminder, according to the manufacturer’s package insert, all YF-VAX® must be used within one hour of reconstitution. (single-dose and 5-dose vials). Clinics using the 5-dose vials are advised to schedule patients to efficiently use the available vaccine doses within this one hour timeframe. Limitations on orders for the 5-dose vial will remain in place; however, the supply of the single-dose presentation should be able to accommodate travelers in need of a yellow fever vaccine.

Health-care providers should refer to Chapter 5: Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country in CDC Health Information for International Travel 2008, the Yellow Book, for information about which countries require yellow fever vaccination for entry and for which countries CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination. In the absence of a country requirement, CDC does not recommend yellow fever vaccination for travel to a country if the traveler's itinerary does not include travel to a yellow fever-endemic area.

For Further Information

Contact telephone number for sanofi pasteur - 1-800-VACCINE (1-800-822-2463).

Please visit the Travelers’ Health website for further updates on availability of yellow fever vaccine.