Because influenza vaccine is newly produced for each influenza season, numerous factors may affect the manufacturers' vaccine production and distribution. If some manufacturers are delayed in getting their vaccine to the providers, there will be uneven distribution of the vaccine, with providers who ordered from some manufacturers receiving vaccine later than providers who ordered from other manufacturers. Further, providers who order late may receive vaccine late. Providers who order from third party distributors will be dependent upon which manufacturer is supplying that distributor. CDC Plans CDC has been working with the private sector, state and local health officials and provider organizations in the development of contingency plans and is taking steps to help ensure that high-risk patients are vaccinated in the event of a delay or shortage.
Several activities are underway and are planned to anticipate and deal with potential problems.
CDC has requested that states develop contingency plans in the event of an influenza vaccine shortage and has provided written guidelines to assist them in planning. CDC requested that states submit their draft contingency plans by June 2001. CDC will hold a workshop at the National Immunization Conference this week to share planning efforts and best practices so that plans can be finalized by August of this year. CDC will also share state plans as they become available. Health care providers should continue to offer vaccine to unvaccinated persons after November and throughout the influenza season even after influenza has been documented in the community.