Shortage of varicella vaccine prompts call for waivers

ALBANY, Ga. - Public health officials, concerned that a national shortage of chicken pox vaccine and increased demand for backto school immunizations could mean some youngsters may not be able to get vaccinated by the time classes start, are alerting county health departments and schools to make use of a 30-day waiver for new students.

"Under the new state immunization requirements, students entering Georgia schools for the first time and those entering sixth grade must have a second dose of varicella vaccine," said Southwest Public Health District Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant. "The higher demand, along with long wait times for the vaccine, is prompting concern that healthcare providers may run out or run low. As a result, some children might not be able to receive their second dose in time for school."

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) vaccine, manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc., is in short supply across the nation because of a change-over in production, the National Centers for Disease Control reports. "This might cause extended back orders for the next few months," said the CDC.

"We are just as frustrated by this situation as parents are," said District Immunization Coordinator Sue Dale of Moultrie. "Immunizing our children is vitally important to protect them and the community at large. We are working diligently to get our children immunized as soon as possible and as supplies allow."

While some vaccine-preventable diseases, such as polio, have been virtually eliminated, it is important to understand that the bacteria and viruses that cause them are still out there, she said. "We can't let our guard down."

Grant concurred. "It is better to prevent a disease than to treat it," she said. "Immunizations save lives and money."

Although the 14 county health departments and the State of Georgia have placed orders for the vaccine, officials are not counting on receiving their doses prior to the first day of school.

"Public Health is concerned that physician offices and health departments may not have vaccine on hand, and the second dose will have to be deferred," said Grant. "When this happens, a Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231) marked `Complete for School Attendance' cannot be issued and a future expiration date will have to be entered on the certificate."

Stuart Bennett, chief deputy state superintendent for policy and external affairs, issued a memo July 26 calling for schools to take advantage of an existing 30-day waiver option to accommodate students affected by the shortfall.

"Children who cannot receive the second dose of varicella vaccine because of this limited supply should be allowed to enter school and receive the second dose when vaccines stabilize," his memo states. "Form 3231 with a future expiration date should continue to be honored with the understanding that a student may be unable to receive the second dose of varicella vaccine prior to school starting."

Grant said the CDC is continuing to work with Merck and others to monitor the supply of VZV vaccines. "This is not the first time that the United States has experienced shortages of vaccines in the recommended childhood immunization schedule," she said. Reasons for shortages include companies leaving the vaccine market, manufacturing or production problems and insufficient stockpiles.

For additional information on Georgia's new immunization requirements, contact your county health department or go to the district webpage at www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth. org. Go online to http://www.cdc. gov/nip/news/shortages/default. htm for CDC updates on vaccine shortages and delays.