Thursday, September 18, 2008

HIB vaccines getting low

Around a million doses of Haemophilus Influenza Type B or HIB vaccine were recalled in December 2007 and now doctor's offices are starting to run out.

Vaccine manufacturer Merck and Company says there is a possibility the vaccines were contaminated with bacteria. No adverse effects on children have been reported. Infants with compromised immune systems are most at risk of getting an infection.

Doctors offices and public health departments are limiting who gets a HIB vaccine to conserve what's left.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending pediatricians stop giving the HIB booster shot to toddlers at 12 to 15 months until the supply is restored.

Bree Davis with the McLean County Health Department said,"Right now, that shortage is still going on and it's predicted that it will be over in the fourth quarter of this year, but we haven't had any word on a specific month or date."

You can find more information on the CDC's website.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

0 comments:

 
Template by lollybloggerdesigns. Design by Taylor Johnston.