LEXINGTON — Kentucky public health officials are urging doctors to postpone some types of immunizations amid a national vaccine shortage.

        The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that tetanus and diphtheria vaccines have been in short supply since early this year, when one of the two main manufacturers halted production.

        The other company is increasing output, but shortages could continue through the year, the CDC said.

        Tetanus — commonly called lockjaw — is caused by a bacterium that lives in the soil and in animal feces. Infection usually occurs through wounds. Because untreated tetanus can be fatal, doctors usually give patients a shot after any cut or puncture wound involving exposure to soil. Tetanus immunization is a standard childhood vaccination.

        State health officials hope the recommendations, which are not mandatory, will stretch out vaccine supplies for injury patients who need immediate tetanus protection.

        Dr. Barry Wainscott, communicable-diseases manager for the Kentucky Department of Public Health, said the plan is for those who miss routine shots to get them once supplies improve. He said supplies might be increasing, which could allow officials to lift the recommendations.

        Dr. Wainscott said the shortage affects two types of tetanus shots — the “DTaP” shot given to young children for protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis and the DT “booster” usually given around age 13. The shot guards against diphtheria and tetanus, and also is supposed to be given to adults every 10 years.

        Dr. Wainscott said youngsters typically get four or five DTaP shots between birth and about age 6. He said health officials are suggesting that doctors defer the “fourth” shot in the series for now, and give it next year after vaccine supplies improve.

        Lamar Duncan, pharmacy services director at Central Baptist Hospital, said the hospital is giving shots to people with wounds, but deferring routine immunizations.

        “If the patient has a wound contaminated with soil or fecal material, they get the vaccine,” he said. “They can get by without it if they've had more than three previous shots, and the last was within five years ago. But if they haven't had a shot in 10 years, we give them one, even if it's a small wound.”

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