The Department of Health and Human Services’ recent news release indicates that 46-48 million doses of influenza vaccine designated for the United States will not be released from Chiron. Chiron was one of the major suppliers of influenza vaccine for the US. Aventis, another influenza vaccine supplier, has approximately 54 million doses of influenza vaccine for the US.
What does this mean for The Nebraska Medical Center?
The immediate focus should be on Tier I high risk patients and the persons who provide care for these patients (healthcare providers and those who live with or are home care givers). Adhere to the following timetable:
- Tier I — Oct 1- Oct 31– vaccination of all high-risk patients and health care workers directly involved in their care, and persons who live with or care for persons at high risk. High risk people are those greater than 65 years of age; children aged 6–23 months; nursing home residents; adults and children with chronic cardiopulmonary disorders; adults and children with diabetes, renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies or immunosuppression; children and adolescents who are on long-term aspirin therapy; or pregnant women. (CDC, MMWR 53;RR06, 2004).
Following the Tier I vaccination campaign, and based on vaccine availability, remaining vaccine stock will be distributed for Tier II and Tier III.
As additional information becomes available, updates will be submitted to UNMC Today. If you have any questions, contact The Nebraska Medical Center Department of Pharmacy (559-6041) or the Department of Healthcare Epidemiology (559-5276).