http://www.boston.com/dailynews/158/region/Tetanus_Shortage_:.shtml

Tetanus Shortage

By Associated Press, 6/7/2001 20:15

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) New Hampshire parents soon may have to look harder for places where their children can receive tetanus immunizations.

The shots normally are mandated by the state for children to attend school.

Health care providers across the country are experiencing a shortage of the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine, and New Hampshire is no exception.

Charles Haenel, manager of the state immunization program, said Portsmouth Regional Hospital, for example, has run out of the vaccine.

The shortage began last year when two of the three pharmaceutical companies that produced the vaccine pulled out of the market.

Haenel said the state program, which allots vaccine to the state's health care providers, is distributing it by priority.

Higher priority is given patients needing treatment for wounds. Booster shots have lower priority.

The state also is allowing children to attend school this year without booster shots on condition they submit letters signed by doctors saying no vaccine was available.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2001

Answers

well the stoolpigeon doc charged $23 for the tetanus shot and $114 for the antibiotic shot. Bill was $277 for shots, exam, topical swabbing and gauze. antibiotic pills were free samples and i have a paisley scarf instead of an expensive sling. So shortage isn't showing up in price. maybe they quit because price is too low. Bet theres no shortage of that antibiotic huh.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2001