ProQuad shortage expected till 2008

Merck's four-in-one vaccine ProQuad will not be available from July until at least 2008 because of a limited supply of the varicella component, according to the manufacturer. Merck estimates the shortage will continue at least until the end of 2007 and possibly into 2008. Meanwhile, the company said it has shifted its available supply of varicella to the manufacture of Varivax (varicella virus vaccine live) since it requires less of the weakened virus to prepare. Merck informed CDC that it would have an adequate supply of Varivax available to last throughout ProQuad's shortage period, as well as Zostavax, its new vaccine for prevention of herpes zoster in adults aged 60 years and older. ProQuad protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella and requires a two-shot series for complete immunization.

To see more Hot off the Press news articles, click here.

To go to the Drug Topics homepage, click here.