CDC reports enough flu shots for everyone

Vaccine is urged for those at high risk, but with ample supplies expected, officials say all patients can get it.

By Victoria Stagg Elliott, AMNews staff. Oct. 23/30, 2006.

If a patient asks for an influenza vaccine, physicians should not hesitate to give it, say public health leaders.

"Get anyone who wants a flu shot their flu shot. We are not restricted by supply," said Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "The vaccine is here. The time is now. And let's really make this our best-ever flu season." She was speaking Oct. 4 at a National Foundation for Infectious Diseases' event launching the influenza and pneumococcal vaccination season.

Priority groups such as health care workers and those older than 65 are still the target of flu vaccination campaigns. But, after several rough years marked by shortages and delays, officials are feeling increasingly confident about the supply situation. Dr. Gerberding's advice comes because the expectation of ample vaccine that has been talked about for the past year is becoming a reality.

"Our supply is good this year, and we are optimistic, although never 100% confident, that we will ultimately deliver all of that vaccine," said Dr. Gerberding.

About 26 million doses were shipped in September. Another 50 million are expected in October. The remainder are predicted for November, December and early January 2007. About 115 million doses, including GlaxoSmithKline's FluLaval, which became the fifth available flu vaccine when it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration earlier this month, are expected before the season wraps up. This is far more than in any prior year.