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Stumble It!A nationwide shortage of the yellow fever vaccine has diminished the supply at Lawrence immunization clinics.
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department ran out othe the vaccine in mid-December. Lisa Horn, Communications Coordinator at the LDCHD said they would not be able to replenish the supply until the end of March. She said the reason for the shortage was due to a change in the manufacturer that puts the vaccine into the viles.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that people travelling to countries in Africa, Asia and South America get the vaccine. Some countries require a certificate of vaccination before allowing travellers through customs.
The yellow fever virus is transmitted through mosquito bites. The fever causes flu-like symptoms and can also cause hepatitis, hemorragic fever and in some cases death.
Highlight indicates yellow fever endemic zones.
Source: Center for Disease Control
Cathy Thrasher, chief pharmacist at the Watkins Health Center Pharmacy, said she had five vaccinations left in the pharmacy, and two more available in the immunization clinic. She said if the pharmacy ran out, there was an alternative multiple dose vacination available. The multiple dose vaccination loses its potency after 30 days.
"Our first priority is the students," Thrasher said. "If we run out, we will find a way to accomodate the students."
Susan Gronbeck-Tedesco, director of the University of Kansas study abroad office, said there were 217 students studying overseas in the Spring semester.
