Because of the drug's long production time the insufficiency is not expected to be resolved for another 12-18 months, Parson said. While many hospital's have been seriously affected by the shortage, Parson said the city-owned Siloam Springs hospital is not experiencing major immunization difficulties. We are just unable to routinely give the vaccine. Parsons did say, however, that the shortage could be a serious health concern for Siloam Springs residents in the future. This could cause many problems down the road if it is not corrected, especially if the person needing the vaccine has never received the initial childhood vaccination or if they have a wound.
Wounds are our number one priority right now.
The shortage is the second immunization deficiency the hospital has seen in the last eight months. In October, a nationwide flu vaccine shortage delayed annual vaccinations for the disease. The hospital's Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee has adopted recommendations by the state health department for prioritizing the tetanus vaccine's use, Parson said. There is a shortage, but if handled correctly I don't see any major problems ahead for us.