DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 12, 2004 DHSS-106-2004 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
DPH TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL DOSES OF FLU VACCINE
CDC Begins Distribution of Remaining Doses for High-Risk Populations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Aventis Pasteur announced today the first phase of a distribution plan to allocate a total of 22.4 million doses of influenza vaccine in response to the loss of half of the nation's expected flu vaccine supply for the 2004-2005 season. The CDC said it would assure that all states receive at least 50 percent of their original orders. Under this plan, Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) expects to receive nearly 15,000 doses of vaccine in 6-8 weeks.
The first phase of the distribution plan will immediately provide states with 14.2 million doses from Aventis Pasteur orders. These supplies will be shipped directly to high-priority vaccine providers, including state health departments, hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and private providers.
Delaware's DPH was one of many state health agencies nationwide that did not receive its flu vaccine because DPH's order of 22,000 doses was assigned to Chiron, the manufacturer whose vaccine was withheld due to bacterial contamination. Aventis Pasteur is the only other manufacturer of injectable flu vaccine that is appropriate for use among high-risk individuals.
DPH Director Jaime H. Rivera, MD, spoke with Secretary Tommy G. Thompson of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services yesterday to emphasize Delaware's need for vaccine. In Phase 2 of the national distribution plan, the approximately 8.2 million doses remaining will be shipped to other high-need areas around the country. Delaware's DPH will provide the CDC with state data, which the CDC will then use to determine how much of the remaining vaccine Delaware will receive.
DPH continues to work with the Medical Society of Delaware, the Delaware Healthcare Association, Delaware Health Care Facilities Association and the Delaware Immunization Coalition to evaluate supplies. Final numbers are pending.
DPH encourages providers to vaccinate high-risk patients only. Residents are encouraged to prevent transmission of influenza by staying home when sick and using good hygiene. DPH continues monitoring for influenza in order to advise physicians to treat high-risk sick patients quickly.
Influenza season typically peaks in the United States between December and March. Because each season is unpredictable, it's not known how severe the 2004-2005 season might be.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
