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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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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.