Immunization Newsbriefs

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March 23, 2001

“Season’s Flu Shot Prices Skyrocket; Fewer Manufacturers Will Make Vaccine” San Francisco Chronicle (www.sfgate.com) (03/21/01) P. A3;

Russell, Sabin

Encouraged by what has widely been perceived as a seller’s market, the remaining U.S. flu shot manufacturers have decided to sharply increase—and in some cases double—the price they charge for the flu vaccine this year.  Parkedale Pharmaceuticals exited the industry last fall, leaving Aventis Pasteur, Wyeth-Ayerst, and Powderject Pharmaceuticals as the remaining producers of flu vaccines.  The companies will be forced to contend with tighter U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, a 20 percent increase in manufacturing capacity, upgrades that are needed for quality control equipment, and a doubling in shipping costs.  However, critics argue that the companies are simply taking advantage of tremendous need.  A clinic nurse manager with San Francisco’s Adult Immunization Clinic, a Department of Public Health unit that provides vaccines at low cost to travelers and low-income residents, referred to the current state of affairs as “almost a monopoly.”  The Adult Immunization Clinic and other organizations were quoted prices of $50 a vial for delivery of the flu vaccine this summer, compared to about $25 a vial at this time last year.  Each vial contains 10 doses of the vaccine.

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