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CDC reports shortages of H1N1, seasonal
influenza vaccine
Agency is hopeful that both vaccines will
be widely available by late 2009.
At a recent CDC Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting, the agency expressed
dissatisfaction with the current available supply of H1N1 and seasonal
influenza vaccine but expects increased supplies by early November and
widespread availability of both vaccines by late 2009. About 28 million
doses of H1N1 vaccine are expected to be available by the end of
October—12 million less than the projected total of 40 million
doses. CDC remains hopeful that 43 million doses of H1N1 vaccine will be
available by early November. Current H1N1 vaccine supply totals are
available at the CDC website, 2009
H1N1 influenza vaccine supply status.
CDC noted that the delay in widespread
availability of H1N1 vaccine is a worldwide problem and that production
of H1N1 vaccine supply is pushing the limits of current influenza
vaccine manufacturing capabilities.
In addition to the slower-than-expected
release of H1N1 influenza vaccine, a shortage of seasonal influenza
vaccine exists. As of October 16, 85 million doses of seasonal influenza
vaccine had been distributed (~74% of doses expected this season).
Between 114 and 115 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccine are
expected. The limited supply coupled with an increased public demand has
made the situation more acute.
The agency has contracted for 251 million
doses of H1N1 bulk vaccine. A total of 117 million doses have been
contracted to fill into vials, syringes, and sprayers, while additional
doses may be filled for delivery by the end of 2009 as needed.
CDC is using a centralized distribution
process for H1N1 influenza vaccine; all H1N1 vaccine is allocated among
states pro rata as it becomes available. States are receiving daily
updates and placing orders against their allocation, then CDC is
verifying the orders, transmitting them to the distributor (McKesson
Specialty Pharmaceuticals), and the distributor is filling and shipping
the orders. The number of distribution points now total 150,000 (versus
the original 90,000), and H1N1 vaccine orders placed on Monday, for
example, are being shipped on Tuesday and arriving on Wednesday.
Questions about your H1N1 vaccine
order?
State health departments are coordinating all
vaccine orders; therefore, any questions about order entry, shipping
timelines, or delivery status should be directed to your local/state
health department contact for the H1N1 immunization program. (Health
department information can be found here.)
State health departments are placing orders on providers’ behalf
and managing product allocations. Provider questions or concerns about
temperature monitors in packages received can be directed to
McKesson’s Specialty Vaccine Program customer service line
(877-836-7123).
Web links
Joe Sheffer (jsheffer@aphanet.org)
Posted October 27, 2009
Updated November 2, 2009
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