“Manufacturers continue operating at maximum capacity to replenish children’s pain and fever reducers to meet current extraordinary demand. While there is not a widespread shortage and our member companies are continuously shipping out products to retailers to replenish supply as quickly as possible, we recognize that limited products on store shelves is frustrating for parents and caregivers. With demand for these products increasing by 65% from this same time last year, we also understand why some retailers have voluntarily set limits on purchases to ensure the availability of these products to as many consumers as possible.
"Our member companies are also focused on ensuring equitable distribution of these medicines to retailers, working with them to direct product to locations where it is needed most, while at the same time doing everything possible to make sure hospitals have children’s pain and fever reducers on hand.
"Before going to the shelf, we advise consumers to know which product options are available based on a child’s age and weight, to remember that store brands contain the same active ingredients as their name brand counterparts, and to consider different product options for children over age two if a liquid medicine is out of stock.
"In terms of when supply will fully catch up with demand, we are encouraged by new figures from the CDC that indicate flu cases in the U.S. have declined for the third straight week and hope this will lessen demand in the near future.
"As this situation continues to rapidly evolve, CHPA encourages consumers to buy only what they need, so other families can find and purchase the medicines they are seeking.”
