Press Release

Facts About Additional Flu Vaccine

CDC has contracted with a vaccine manufacturer for the production of an additional 9 million doses of influenza vaccine for the 2000-01 season. CDC took this action to ensure at least the same quantity of influenza vaccine is available for the 2000-01 season as the previous year. These doses are not intended to substitute for vaccine that is already ordered and expected to be delivered.

• The manufacturer will give first priority to filling orders from providers who plan to vaccinate a high proportion of persons at high risk of complications from flu. The manufacturer will consult with CDC, as needed.
  
  
• Applications to the manufacturer for vaccine orders from health care providers and programs will begin on November 3, 2000 and will continue through December 1, 2000. Wholesale distributors will be allowed to make applications to purchase vaccine starting December 4, 2000, if available doses remain.
  
  
• Manufacturers estimate that approximately 28 percent of this year's anticipated 75 million dose influenza vaccine supply was shipped in October. They project that another 42 percent will be shipped in November and another 30 percent in December, 2000.
  
  
• CDC has developed an "Influenza Vaccine Availability" website to provide information about the availability of influenza vaccine from manufacturers and wholesale distributors. The website can be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/nip/flu-vac-supply.
  
  
• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that vaccination efforts for this influenza season should continue into December and later as long as influenza vaccine is available.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES