The baby formula shortage wreaking havoc across the United States is terrifying for any parent who relies on infant formula to feed their child. It’s especially calamitous for babies and children with special health care needs who rely on special prescription formulas that have also been impacted by the supply shortage.

The shortage highlights an ongoing, systemic failure to ensure vulnerable children have secure access to medically necessary, life-supporting products and equipment. Families with healthy infants who had previously never experienced this level of stress over finding a product that should be readily available are now facing a situation that is sadly the status quo for families of children with disabilities.

This shortage—precipitated by a major recall of infant and pediatric formula produced by manufacturer Abbott Nutrition in February—has received major media attention, most of it focused on families who can’t find the over-the-counter Similac baby formula brand. Less attention has been given to the supply crisis in specialty prescription formulas like EleCare and hypoallergenic formulas like Alimentum (both also part of the Abbott recall). These specialized, medically necessary formulas are designed for children with gastrointestinal disabilities who can’t tolerate traditional formula. The shortage of these products affects not only babies, but also children and teens with complex digestive problems and allergies. This includes children fed through a jejunal tube (a feeding tube that bypasses the stomach and feeds the child directly in the small intestine); children with serious allergic conditions, like eosinophilic esophagitis or gastroenteritis; and children with intestinal malformations and malabsorption disorders.

Very few companies make these specialty formulas. The EleCare recall has led to shortages across all available brands. What’s the alternative for these kids? There really isn’t one. If children transition to a standard formula, they risk further damaging their already fragile digestive system, serious illness, or death. They can be admitted to the hospital for feeding through a central IV line, but this is a major, invasive intervention that dramatically increases children’s risk of infection and serious medical complications. On top of that, the nutritional products hospitals use for this procedure are also in short supply.

Because specialty formula is only available by prescription, there is no easy way for families to seek out an alternative supplier. If the local grocery store is out of regular baby formula, you can drive to another store. With prescription-only formulas, many families are required by insurance to use only one supplier. If that supplier can’t provide the product, parents and their kids are out of luck. Even if families could buy specialty formula without a prescription, the cost would be hundreds of dollars for just a few days’ supply.

Read the full article about baby formula shortage by Jennifer McLelland at YES! Magazine.