The FDA and CDC have received reports of shortages of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment in some parts of the country. CDC issued new guidance on September 9 about securing supplies over the next several weeks and recommendations if erythromycin is not available (http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/erythromycinOintmentShortage.htm).

On September 4 CDC issued an updated Dear Colleague letter with updated guidance and recommendations for preventing increases in the occurrence of ophthalmia neonatorum during the shortage at http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/DCL-ErythromycinOintmentShortage-8-31-2009.pdf

The shortage is expected to be resolved at some point in October.