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July 13, 2001

 

“Notice to Readers: Delayed Influenza Vaccine Availability for 2001-02 Season and Supplemental Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (www.cdc.gov/mmwr)

(07/13/01) Vol. 50, No. 27, P. 582

Nearly 50 million doses of influenza vaccine are expected to be available for delivery by the end of October, manufacturers say, some 26 million doses fewer than were available in the same period two years ago.  However, the manufacturers expect to distribute another 27 million doses in November and December, making the total projected distribution level higher than that seen in 1999 or 2000.  The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has developed supplemental recommendations for the flu vaccine in the 2001-2002 season.  ACIP hopes to prioritize and phase in vaccine use so that persons at highest risk for severe flu and complications and their health care providers receive the vaccine early and also to boost overall protection of those most at risk for severe flu and its complications, as detailed in the Healthy People 2010 objectives.  Individuals at high risk include people over the age of 65, residents of chronic care facilities, adults and children with pulmonary and cardiovascular system disorders, people with metabolic diseases, children and teenagers receiving long-term aspirin therapy, health care workers, and women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.  ACIP noted that “achieving influenza vaccination goals will require the combined actions of vaccine providers; the public; manufacturers, distributors, and vendors; and health departments and other organizations providing the vaccine.”.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.