The Region - News from Feb. 26, 1985

Los Angeles County will run out of vaccine to immunize children against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus about March 15 unless a new supply arrives before that date, county health authorities reported. In an effort to conserve the dwindling supply to protect newborn infants, public and private doctors have temporarily stopped giving booster shots to 18-month and 5-year-olds, said Dr. Betty Agee, the county’s chief of acute communicable diseases. She said that presents no immediate hazard to the older children. With only one manufacturer now producing the vaccine, the cost has risen from between $2 and $3 a vial several years ago to $55 today, she said.