Three vaccine manufacturers have notified the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) of changes in previously scheduled seasonal flu vaccine shipments. HEALTH’s adult immunization program was notified that approximately 18% of the total amount of vaccine ordered for the season will not be delivered. This change in delivery was based on two manufacturers, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Novartis, ending shipments of injectable flu vaccine to distributors. In addition, Sanofi Pasteur, makers of injectable seasonal flu vaccine that was ordered for children and adolescents ages 3 through 18, says remaining shipments to HEALTH’s pediatric program will be delayed. HEALTH anticipates delivery sometime in December. HEALTH purchases the seasonal influenza vaccine from several different manufacturers every year to lessen the impact on the state when there are vaccine shortages or delays.
Public demand for the seasonal flu vaccine has been up this year from years past creating some shortages and cancellations of clinics. By the end of this year’s flu season in Rhode Island, HEALTH will have provided more seasonal flu vaccine than in any previous flu season even with this reduction announced today.
“While this news is not what we would have hoped for,” said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH, “we are confident that HEALTH will receive all the seasonal vaccine that was ordered for children. We are asking all providers to prioritize current supplies of vaccine for high-risk individuals. In addition, even with the reduction in the amount of vaccine we will receive for adults, we will still have more doses than what was used last year. And we have ordered 10,000 additional doses for adults and 14,000 additional doses for children.”
At this time, HEALTH is recommending that healthcare providers reserve injectable vaccine for the elderly and patients who are pregnant or have underlying medical conditions, as they are at higher risk of complications from seasonal influenza. Providers should contact individuals with underlying medical conditions who still need a seasonal flu vaccine. People who have not gotten a seasonal flu shot can contact their providers or consult the schedule of public clinics at www.projo.com/news/flu/clinics/. People should check this website which will continue to be updated as clinic dates and times change.
Almost all of the influenza illness occurring in Rhode Island right now is due to H1N1, not to seasonal flu. Rhode Islanders are encouraged to receive the H1N1 vaccine once it becomes available to them. Nasal spray H1N1 vaccine is currently available for children ages 2-5 in pediatric provider offices. More shipments will be arriving to the state weekly and will be allocated first to pregnant women (starting next week) and children. School-based vaccination clinics for children in K-12 are expected to begin sometime in early November and run into December. Visit http://www.health.ri.gov/flu/about/vaccination/index.php for the most up-to-date information on H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination.