The supply of Sanofi Pasteur's yellow fever vaccine — the only such immunization licensed in the U.S. — is completely depleted and will remain out of stock until mid-2018, according to the CDC.
The vaccine depletion stems from a manufacturing complication that caused the drugmaker to lose a large amount of doses as it was relocating to a new manufacturing plant.
While the U.S. vaccine is out of stock, the Food and Drug Administration will allow Sanofi's French-manufactured yellow fever vaccine, Stamaril, to be used as an alternative under the agency's new investigational drug program. Stamaril has been used in more than 70 countries for decades, according to an AAP News report.
Individuals traveling to certain parts of Africa and South America are at risk for contracting the yellow fever virus. Yellow fever symptoms include fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea and vomiting. While most of those infected experience no illness or mild illness, approximately 15 percent experience a more serious form of the disease. In these cases, 20 to 50 percent may die, according to the CDC.
To see where the alternative yellow fever vaccine is available in the U.S., click here.
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