The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency has received a long-awaited shipment of chickenpox vaccine.

The agency, which immunized about 40,000 children last year, was without vaccine for three weeks, public health nurse Nancy Bancroft said. Nurses at the agency's clinic turned away parents who sought the vaccine for their children, urging them to return later.

Vaccines used to prevent chickenpox and other childhood diseases are in short supply throughout the nation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month cited shortages of eight vaccines, including the chickenpox and DTP, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, or whooping cough. The reason for the shortages: higher demand and one manufacturer has left the market.

The Health Services Agency offers immunizations for children at 820 Scenic Drive, Modesto. The walk-in clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, call 558-4818.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.