A change in MnVFC vaccine distribution Since May 1, the Bindley Western Drug Co., in Milwaukee, WI, has been distributing MnVFC vaccines. Inc. You still should place your requests with MDH, by mail or fax. Please report to the MnVFC program any problems with placing or receiving your vaccine orders. CDC has not yet established a contract with the manufacturer and may not have one until the end of 1999. To be consistent with CDC, which produces them, we now will be referring to them as VISs.
Federal law requires that they be given to all patients or their parents before immunization.
The Minnesota Department of Health is cautioning people not to rely on the vaccine alone to protect themselves from Lyme disease. Minnesotans who are most at risk of getting the disease are those who live, work, or play in the east-central part of the state, southeastern counties along the Mississippi, and the western half of Wisconsin. Also, they must have frequent or prolonged exposure to wooded, brushy habitat to be considered high-risk. Even if your patients are at risk, remember that the vaccine isn't 100 percent effective. All people, including those who have been vaccinated, must take preventive actions when in tick habitat.