Parker Waichman LLP

Vaccine Shortage Connected to HIB Illness Outbreaks

One infant has died and four other children have fallen ill from a disease that had been all but eradicated, CNN has reported; the baby was just seven months old.  Hib—Haemophilus influenzae type b—is the pathogen responsible for the deaths and illnesses, which have all occurred in Minnesota, CNN added. The baby and two other […]

One infant has died and four other children have fallen ill from a disease that had been all but eradicated, CNN has reported; the baby was just seven months old.  Hib—<"https://www.yourlawyer.com/articles/read/15556">Haemophilus influenzae type b—is the pathogen responsible for the deaths and illnesses, which have all occurred in Minnesota, CNN added.

The baby and two other children did not receive any vaccinations, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said CNN.  FiercePharma reported that the other two children had not completed the immunization series.  “The situation is of concern,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, CDC director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease.  “It could be happening elsewhere and, of course, it’s tragic that one of the children actually died from a preventable disease,” quoted CNN.

Hib tends to strike infants and children under five years of age; the Hib vaccination is administered to prevent prevents pneumonia; epiglottitis, which is a type of serious throat infection; and meningitis, an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord, explained CNN.  The CDC says that one in 20 children infected with Hib dies, with survivors running the risk of deafness and anywhere between 10 and 30 percent suffering permanent brain damage, added CNN.  The disease is serious, often deadly and experts are warning parents to ensure their children are appropriatedly vaccinated.

“Parents may not realize the importance of this vaccine,” Schuchat told CNN. “The disease is still around” … and people “think it’s gone because it has not been seen for a while.  Clearly, the bacteria is in the community … and babies that (sic) haven’t gotten their vaccines are at risk,” she added.  Prior to the routine use of vaccines to prevent Hib, approximately 20,000 cases were seen annually; the incidence dropped by 99 percent after vaccinations were more widely administered in the early 1990s, said CNN.

Now, a shortage of the vaccines is worrying experts and health officials.  Merck, Inc. recalled over one million doses in 2007, said CNN, the result of contaminated equipment, reported FiercePharma.  Merck and a division of Sanofi Aventis are the only suppliers of the Hib vaccine, so when the Merck recall occurred, a shortage began, reported CNN.  Generally, Hib is administered in a series of injections when a child is two, four, and six months old with a booster injection when the child is somewhere between one year and 15 months old, explained CNN.  Because of the shortage, the CDC deemed the first series a priority, suggesting the booster be delayed—until supplies become available—in older children with strong immune systems.  Supplies are expected to normalize by this summer, said CNN.

FiercePharma reported that health officials in Minnesota believe there may be a link between decreases vaccine supplies.  A CDC official told the Wall Street Journal that the agency is worried the shortage could be causing a so-called “herd immunity,” in which unvaccinated children are protected from disease when many others in the community have been vaccinated.  With the shortage, it is possible that herd immunity is not possible, causing fears of the trend appearing nationwide.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
They contacted me right back, and sent paperwork for me to sign as soon as we spoke!!
spidermanvshulk2004
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Hi there my name is Nicole Delia and I highly recommend this law firm. I've been working with Jessie Salcedo she's the paralegal on my case. She's always kind and very professional on the phone. I look forward to working with them. There location is 6 Harbor Drive Port Washington New York, NY 11050
Nicole Delia
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism I would like to give Christina(Tina)Morace a (5)five stars review,Christina is a very pleasant person, her client professional skills are excellent, very informative,always available to answer my questions and quick to return calls.it was a pleasure communicant with Christina Morace.thank you very much
sandra benejan
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038