As of this writing (May 2001), there is a shortage of DTaP vaccines because Wyeth Lederle discontinued its DTaP vaccine Acel-Imune, and Baxter Hyland Immuno Vaccines discontinued production of Certiva. Aventis Pasteur and Glaxo SmithKline, producers of Tripedia and Infanrix, respectively, are now the only remaining suppliers of DTaP. On March 7, 2001, the FDA approved a newly formulated version of Tripedia in one-dose vials without preservative and with only a trace amount of thimerosal. Approval of this vaccine should improve the supply of DTaP.
Some providers may have difficulties obtaining sufficient supplies of DTaP to vaccinate all children in their practices. In the case of insufficient quantities of DTaP, priority should be given to vaccinating infants who need the initial three DTaP doses and, if necessary, to defer the fourth dose. When adequate DTaP supplies are available, children who did not receive the fourth dose of DTaP should be vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also published a statement that contains information on adverse reactions after the fourth and fifth doses of a DTaP series, including limb swelling. When the provider does not know or does not have the type of DTaP vaccine previously given, any licensed DTaP vaccine can be used for any dose in the series, including the fifth dose.
Because of Td and TT shortages, clinics and hospitals that treat acute wounds will be given priority for vaccine until supplies are restored. Clinics and hospitals in need of vaccine for wound care should call Aventis Pasteur, telephone (800) 822-2463. Other indications for prioritizing available Td doses are:
March 15, 2002