New York Times Looks at Shortages of Vaccines for Children

The Dec. 2 New York Times reports on the "shortages, delays and uncertainty in the production and supply" of several important childhood vaccines (Pear, New York Times, 12/2). Last week, U.S. health officials told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee that the United States has shortages of vaccines for four of the 11 diseases that can be prevented by routine childhood immunization shots: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and pneumonia and pneumonia-related diseases (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 11/30). The Times considers the effect of the delays and shortages on Colorado and Michigan, and reports that they "have forced states to ration vaccines, set new priorities and revise their immunization policies and requirements" (New York Times, 12/2).