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Source: http://news.trust.org/item/201606171...e=hpOtherNews1
WHO backs plan to cut yellow vaccine dose to eke out supplies
by Reuters
Friday, 17 June 2016 11:28 GMT
One fifth of a dose provides immunity for at least 12 months
By Stephanie Nebehay and Ben Hirschler
GENEVA/LONDON, June 17 (Reuters) - World Health Organization advisers have recommended using a fifth of the standard dose of yellow fever vaccine in the event of a global shortage to combat the worst outbreak of the deadly disease in decades.
Fears of a widening outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease were fuelled this week by a spike in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which now says it has seen more than 1,000 suspected cases since March.
"Experts agreed to propose if necessary, if there is a shortage of vaccine, to divide the vaccine by five," WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said on Friday, reporting on a meeting this week.
"One fifth of a dose according to their evidence would be sufficient to provide immunity for at least 12 months."
Reuters previously reported that a move to stretch vaccine supplies in this was was likely...
WHO backs plan to cut yellow vaccine dose to eke out supplies
by Reuters
Friday, 17 June 2016 11:28 GMT
One fifth of a dose provides immunity for at least 12 months
By Stephanie Nebehay and Ben Hirschler
GENEVA/LONDON, June 17 (Reuters) - World Health Organization advisers have recommended using a fifth of the standard dose of yellow fever vaccine in the event of a global shortage to combat the worst outbreak of the deadly disease in decades.
Fears of a widening outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease were fuelled this week by a spike in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which now says it has seen more than 1,000 suspected cases since March.
"Experts agreed to propose if necessary, if there is a shortage of vaccine, to divide the vaccine by five," WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said on Friday, reporting on a meeting this week.
"One fifth of a dose according to their evidence would be sufficient to provide immunity for at least 12 months."
Reuters previously reported that a move to stretch vaccine supplies in this was was likely...