Vaccine shortage forces postponement of shot

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- State health officials want to postpone when children get a common vaccine because of a shortage of the medicine. <br><br>The state Health Department says there's a shortage

Wednesday, May 2nd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- State health officials want to postpone when children get a common vaccine because of a shortage of the medicine.

The state Health Department says there's a shortage of the vaccine that treats diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP) because two suppliers suddenly stopped producing it.

The vaccine is given in a series of five doses. The first three shots come before the first birthday, a fourth is given at 15- to 18-months and the fifth at between 4- and 6-years.

Health officials are recommending the fourth shot be delayed until children are 4-years old.

State immunization director Don Blose says the shortage is expected to last 12 to 18 months.