Countywide : Immunizations Delayed by Shortage of Vaccines

The Orange County Health Care Agency has temporarily cut back on the recommended immunizations for diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus because of a recent nationwide shortage of vaccine, the agency announced.

The number of doses has been reduced from five to three until more vaccine is available, the agency said. The temporary guidelines were issued by the federal Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, and are endorsed by the state Department of Health Services, California Medical Assn. and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Typically, babies are given the first three doses at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months of age. They receive the next two doses at 18 months and between the ages of 4 and 6 years. The second doses, which complete the protection against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus, are the ones that will be postponed. Health officials say that older children can safely postpone the last doses if they received the first three.

Parents may have their children vaccinated as soon as the additional vaccine is available. Other childhood immunizations still should be given on schedule.

For more information, call the Health Care Agency office in Santa Ana (834-3171), Buena Park (670-1742), Westminster (898-7929) or Costa Mesa (548-9386).