CDC Updates Recommendations Regarding 2001-02 Influenza Vaccine Schedule

WESTPORT, CT (Reuters Health) Jul 12 - In anticipation of influenza vaccine distribution delays, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has developed supplemental recommendations for this fall's vaccination schedule.

Manufacturers estimate that about 50 million vaccine doses will be available by the end of October, about two-thirds the normal quantity (see Reuters Health report, June 22, 2001).

Healthcare providers should first offer vaccinations in September and October to persons at increased risk for influenza complications and to healthcare workers. The ACIP recommends that high-risk patients be informed when vaccine will be available and encouraged to present for a vaccination-only visit. Those at high risk include the following:

• People over the age of 64
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
• Individuals of any age with chronic disorders of the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems, including asthma
• Those who require regular follow-up or hospitalization for chronic metabolic disorders. These would include diabetes, renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunosuppression
• Children ages 16 months to 18 years undergoing long-term aspirin therapy
• Women expected to be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season

Contacts of high-risk individuals, healthy individuals ages 50 to 64 years, and others wishing to reduce their risk for influenza should be offered vaccination beginning in November. Offers of vaccination should continue as long as influenza activity remains and vaccine is available.

The ACIP recommends that manufacturers, distributors and vendors deliver complete orders early for hospitals and chronic-care facilities serving high-risk populations. Healthcare providers who have placed orders should receive some early season vaccine. Distribution should be delayed until November to worksites where primarily healthy workers will be vaccinated.

Those who organize mass vaccination campaigns at such sites as health departments, clinics, senior centers, and retail stores should make special efforts to vaccinate high-risk individuals. Otherwise, campaigns should be planned for late October or November or when vaccine supplies are available.

If there are delays or shortages, efforts should be made to redirect vaccines to those who will be vaccinating high-risk persons.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2001;50:582-583.