SEASONAL FLU VACCINE UPDATE FROM SANOFI UPDATE 10-07-2009
We have received the following communication from Sanofi Pasteur regarding the seasonal influenza vaccine supply:
Sanofi Pasteur is making all reasonable efforts to deliver both Fluzone® Influenza Virus Vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine as quickly as possible, but this effort continues to present production and shipping challenges. Sanofi is working at maximum capacity to produce a total of 125 million doses of influenza vaccine in the time it typically takes to produce 50 million doses of Fluzone vaccine.
Sanofi Pasteur remains committed to delivering every dose reserved through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contracts and to meeting the market commitment to supply over 50 million doses of Fluzone vaccine.
Early in the season, the communication was to immunize early and complete seasonal immunization efforts before H1N1 immunization began. However, it is now clear that seasonal immunization efforts will need to continue even after H1N1 immunization begins. This will help ensure that your patients receive the best protection from both seasonal and H1N1 influenza this year.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations1,2 are to:
- Continue to vaccinate patients with seasonal influenza vaccine during routine visits and in scheduled clinics as supply allows
- Offer seasonal influenza immunization throughout the full season, as influenza disease typically peaks in February
- Plan for simultaneous administration of both seasonal and H1N1 vaccine once the H1N1 vaccine becomes available
According to the ACIP, injectable formulations of H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines can be administered at the same time in different anatomical locations.
Novartis Letter Regarding Fluvirin Supply  9-17-2009
GSK Update on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Supply 9-17-2009
GSK is committed to keeping customers and the public health community updated on supplies and timing for seasonal flu vaccines, and is actively confirming orders with customers. At the National Influenza Vaccines Summit in late June, GSK indicated that we expected to supply up to 20 million doses of seasonal flu vaccine for the 2009-2010 influenza season. The variability in influenza manufacturing and the complex and fluid regulatory timelines led GSK to revise our seasonal flu vaccine estimate last week (week beginning Sept. 7). Our revised estimate now is almost 18.5 million doses of seasonal flu vaccines. Over the course of the last several days, GSK has been informing public health officials, including CDC, and affected customers of a revised supply estimate and how it may impact customers. At this time, GSK has distributed approximately 15 million doses of seasonal flu vaccines to customers. GSK expects to have all remaining doses distributed by the middle of October.
CDC Update on Seasonal Flu Vaccine Supply 9-04-2009
Memo: 2009-2010 SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE DISTRIBUTION - Memo From Sue Bowden, RN, MS, Director, Kansas Immunization Program 8-13-2009
8-17-2009 - Notice to Immunization Providers - H1N1 Vaccine Pre-registration
(click here to view).
Notice to Immunization Providers
In an effort to create as many access points to vaccination as possible, state and local public health agencies will need to partner with private sector immunization providers to administer H1N1 vaccine. KDHE is extending the opportunity to receive and administer H1N1 vaccine to all interested immunizing healthcare providers (including hospitals, clinics, pharmacists and community vaccinators) once vaccine supplies are sufficient. Pre-registered facility representatives will receive email updates about the pandemic vaccination program and enrollment as well as information to prepare for storing, handling and administering H1N1 vaccine properly. To register your potential interest in the administration of H1N1 vaccine and receive more information, go to the H1N1 Vaccine Provider Pre-registration.
H1N1 Resources
COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION UNITS- We have received several emails and calls regarding companies that supply commercial refrigerators, below are just a few. If you have recently purchased a commercial unit, we want to hear from you so we can share with other providers. Please email Mparsons@kdheks.gov with any comments on your commercial unit and whether it would be OK for others to contact you with questions, thanks!
Some of them are:
Sanyo - www.sanyobiomedical.com
Gem - www.gemref.com
Helmer - www.helmer.com
Health Care Logistics - www.healtcarelogistics.com
Food Service Warehouse - www.foodservicewarehouse.com
True Food Service Equipment - www.truefmfg.com
B&J Peerless Food Service Equipment - www.bjpeerless.com
In the United States, seasonal influenza disease (also known as “the flu”) occurs during the late fall through early spring seasons. Every year, an average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot each year.
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, you should take these steps to avoid spreading germs:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get the flu, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
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