DECATUR, Ga. – Due to an interruption in production of YF-Vax, the yellow fever vaccine licensed for use in the United States, the DeKalb Board of Health will be begin using a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized investigational vaccine, beginning on or after August 1.
The Board of Health’s T.O. Vinson Health Center travel clinic, located at 440 Winn Way in Decatur, is one of six sites in Georgia authorized to administer Stamaril. It is anticipated that use of Stamaril will last until production of YF-Vax resumes sometime in mid-2018.
“Our decision to participate in this investigational trial was not taken lightly, said DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D., M.B.A.” “Stamaril is a vaccine for yellow fever with a similar safety profile and effectiveness, that is currently approved for use in 70 countries. Although the name of the FDA program is ‘investigational new drug’ (IND), Stamaril is not investigational or experimental. IND is simply the mechanism through which the FDA gives approval for the vaccine to be imported, since it is not licensed for use in the United States.”
The Board of Health is accepting appointments. However, it is strongly recommended that individuals desiring the yellow fever vaccine call ahead to be pre-screened. Due to vaccination protocols, some individuals may not be eligible to receive Stamaril.
For more information about the yellow fever vaccine or any additional travel health services offered by the DeKalb County Board of Health, call (404) 294-3700 or visit dekalbpublichealth.com.
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