Because of frequent, recurrent shortages of vaccines manufactured in the U.S., it’s wise to plan immunizations needed for travel as far in advance as possible.

Many of you are aware of the influenza vaccine shortage but are probably unfamiliar with the recurrent, frequent, and persistent shortages of other vaccines manufactured in the U.S. These shortages do not receive the same media attention, are random, poorly reported to the public (or not reported at all), and are virtually all out of the control of health care providers.

The three primary reasons for these shortages and limited development of new vaccines are a) many vaccines are not profitable for pharmaceutical companies to produce, b) most vaccines cannot be mass produced as with traditional medications, and most importantly c) litigation make vaccines highly undesirable products to manufacture regardless of their necessity, high degree of safety, and effectiveness.

Our goal in bringing this to your attention is to:

• Encourage you to plan your immunizations as much in advance as possible. This advance planning will help us accommodate as many travelers as possible when shortages occur.
• Ask for your patience, tolerance, and cooperation as we attempt to provide the best possible service.
• Ask you to contact your public representatives on local, state, and national levels and convey that message that these shortages are unacceptable as they put individuals as well as our nation’s health at risk