National Health Policy Forum

Issue Brief

No. 785
Date: NOVEMBER 15, 2002
Title:
U.S. Childhood Vaccine Availability:
Legal, Regulatory, and Economic Complexities
PDF Doc.
Author: Robin J. Strongin, Consultant
Summary: Despite the vital role they play in public health, childhood vaccines travel a complicated road from laboratory to provider and patient. From the fall of 2000 until well into 2002, a combination of factors, including market dynamics, legal challenges, and regulatory hurdles, led to a shortage of some childhood vaccines. This paper examines each of these factors, focusing on the important roles of both the public and the private sectors.