November 10, 2006

To: National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) Members

We want to make you aware of the message that CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding conveyed today to the press concerning influenza vaccine supply and the role of local health departments. At a press briefing at 1:45 pm EST today, Dr. Gerberding acknowledged that shortages are occurring in many communities, particularly because Chiron vaccine is being produced more slowly and in less volume than projected. She indicated that there appear to be no problems with availability of pediatric influenza vaccine. She said that CDC is purchasing 800,000 doses from Chiron for delivery by the end of November and CDC expects to make those available to mitigate serious shortages where they exist.

Noting that most flu vaccine is purchased by the private sector, Dr. Gerberding indicated that local health departments will work with health care providers at the community level to make sure that persons at highest risk receive vaccine and will reach out to providers who have vaccine to help redistribute it. She noted further that public health advice will differ from community to community, depending on the situation. Dr. Gerberding emphasized that this year’s total supply of influenza vaccine ultimately will be as great as it has ever been and that both health care providers and persons needing vaccination should be patient, particularly because the peak flu season has not yet started.

In view of Dr. Gerberding’s approach to the current maldistribution, you may well hear from health care providers and the press in your community. CDC has clearly recognized that local health departments can play key roles in the making the best of a difficult flu vaccine supply situation and that they play varied roles in reaching high priority persons, depending on local conditions.