Prevnar�, the new 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), is expected to be in short supply until approximately mid-2002.� The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that due to an increase in demand and manufacturing problems that have prevented Wyeth Lederle from producing the vaccine at full capacity, some healthcare providers and health departments will experience shortages.� In response to the shortage, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has made recommendations, including instructing healthcare providers to reduce the number of doses given to healthy infants until the Prevnar� supply is adequate.

Click here for the new ACIP recommendations�published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and�more CDC information on Prevnar shortages.

�