Strengthening the supply of routinely recommended vaccines in the United States: recommendations from the National Vaccine Advisory Committee.
Between late 2000 and the spring of 2003, the United States experienced shortages of vaccines against 8 of 11 preventable diseases in children. In response, the Department of Health and Human Services requested that the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) make recommendations on strengthening the supply of routinely recommended vaccines. The NVAC appointed a Working Group to identify potential causes of vaccine supply shortages, develop strategies to alleviate or prevent shortages, and enlist stakeholders to consider the applicability and feasibility of these strategies. The NVAC concluded that supply disruptions are likely to continue to occur. Strategies to be implemented in the immediate future include expansion of vaccine stockpiles, increased support for regulatory agencies, maintenance and strengthening of liability protections, improved communication among stakeholders, increased availability of public information, and a campaign to emphasize the benefits of vaccination. Strategies requiring further study include evaluation of appropriate financial incentives to manufacturers and streamlining the regulatory process without compromising safety or efficacy.
Santoli
Jeanne M
JM
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Peter
Georges
G
Arvin
Ann Margaret
AM
Davis
Jeffrey P
JP
Decker
Michael D
MD
Fast
Patricia
P
Guerra
Fernando A
FA
Helms
Charles M
CM
Hinman
Alan Richard
AR
Katz
Ruth
R
Klein
Jerome O
JO
Koslap-Petraco
Mary Beth
MB
Paradiso
Peter R
PR
Schaffner
William
W
Whitley-Williams
Patricia N
PN
Williamson
Donald E
DE
Gellin
Bruce
B
D004345:Drug Industry / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D035082:Federal Government; D014481:United States; D014611:Vaccination / Q000592:standards; D014612:Vaccines / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards / Q000600:supply & distribution*
D014612:Vaccines