Vaccine for common shot still short

Next time you visit the clinic, your doctor may not be able to give you that scheduled shot. State Chief of Immunizations Caroline Jacobsen says there’s a shortage of a vaccine doctors call “D-TAP.”It stands for Diphtheria, Tetanis and acellular pertussis, an immunization given to kids. Jacobsen says one of the two manufacturers making that vaccine is having trouble meeting demand, so scheduled immunizations may be delayed a few weeks, though no kids will go without shots they need. There’s also a shortage of the treatment for adults.She says the routine T-D shot for tetanus and Diphtheria booster, that you’re supposed to get every ten years, can be put off till next year. Anyone who’s never gotten all three original shots should go ahead, and pregnant women under-vaccinated or past their ten years should get the booster now. Jacobsen says no kids will have to go without inoculations, but some may be delayed a week or more while doctors wait for supplies of the vaccine.