PRO> Influenza vaccine 2001, production delay - USA (fwd)

[Guest guest]

Even though this yrs shortage won't be as bad as last

yrs, I thought you all might like to know.

e

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From: <promed@...>

promed@...

Subject: PRO> Influenza vaccine 2001, production delay - USA

Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2001 18:55:09 -0400 (EDT)

INFLUENZA VACCINE 2001, PRODUCTION DELAY - USA

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[see also:

2000

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Influenza vaccine, production delay 20000625.1045]

Date: Sat 23 Jun 2001

From: ProMED-mail <promedm@...>

Source: Reuters Health Online, Fri 22 Jun 2001 [edited]

<http://www.reutershealth.com/frame2/eline.html>

Influenza Vaccine Delay Expected Again Next Season

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US public health officials predict 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.

With regard to the 2001-2002 season, the Centers for Disease Control &

Prevention (CDC) stated in an announcement on Thu 21 Jun 2001 that 64%

of the expected distribution will probably be available by the end of

October 2001, 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 (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 today 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.

This year's projected delay in influenza vaccine distribution stems

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

4 in 1999 to 3 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

health-care providers reserve vaccine doses that arrive in September

and October for patients at high risk and health-care workers. Mass

immunization campaigns should not be started until late October or

November 2001.

(Byline Karla Gale)

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