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July 1, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Routine Tetanus Shots Available"

Charlotte Observer (www.charlotte.com/observer) (06/29/02) P. 3B; Garloch, Karen

Following a year-long tetanus shot shortage, Mecklenburg County's immunization clinic in North Carolina is now supplying the vaccine with expectations that a large group of college students will seek out the shot to make up for missed tetanus shot requirements.  The shortage was caused in 2001 when two tetanus vaccine manufacturers stopped production, leaving only Aventis-Pasteur to produce the product in the United States.  Due to adequate supplies, the tetanus vaccine will now be available for routine use, rather than just for people suffering severe wounds who did not have a recent tetanus booster shot.  The state provides the vaccine free to health departments and physicians for children under the age of 19.  Adults can get the shot without charge at health departments only, explains North Carolina immunization branch spokesperson Laura Leonard.

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