http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010622/hl/flu_1.html

 

 

Flu Vaccine Delay Expected Again Next Season

 

By Karla Gale

 

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - US public health officials predicted on

Thursday that last year's delay in distributing influenza vaccine

will be repeated again this fall. However, they project that the

delay will not be as severe as it was during last year's flu season,

and that the required number of doses will be available before

influenza activity is expected to peak.

 

In the 2000-2001 flu season, production glitches resulted in delays

in vaccine availability and some flu shot programs aimed at healthy

adults ended up getting vaccines before hospitals had any available

for high-risk individuals.

 

As for the 2001-2002 season, the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (news - web sites) (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, noted in an

announcement Thursday that 64% of the expected distribution will

probably be available by the end of October, twice the amount

available at the same time last year. The remaining doses should be

available in November and December.

 

The CDC's announcement contrasts with statements made in March by

Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) (FDA) and

pharmaceutical industry officials, who projected at a meeting of FDA

advisors that there would be no delays in shipping the vaccine.

 

An FDA spokesperson told Reuters Health on Friday that manufacturers

had just recently notified officials of the projected delay.

 

``Last year there were compliance issues, which is not the case this

year,'' the spokesperson said, referring to last year's problems

encountered in some companies making the vaccine. She noted that at

any point in the manufacturing process, unanticipated delays could

take place.

 

This year's projected delay in flu vaccine distribution stems from a

reduction in the number of licensed US manufacturers, down from four

in 1999 to three in 2000. They are still working to increase their

capacity and expand production facilities, according to the CDC

announcement.

 

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends

that healthcare providers reserve vaccine doses that arrive in

September and October for patients at high risk and healthcare

workers. Vaccination should continue as long as the vaccine is

available.

 

The Committee advises health departments and organizations that

provide vaccinations to develop contingency plans in case of delays.

Mass immunization campaigns should not be started until late October

or November.

 

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.