Governor Rell Calls for Overhaul of Flu Vaccine

Production and Distribution System

Citing persistent and frustrating delays in the distribution of H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines, Governor M. Jodi Rell has called on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to overhaul the vaccine production and distribution system. 

“The production and distribution of both the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines need to be expedited, especially as we move further into this year’s flu season,” Governor Rell said in her October 23 letter to Secretary Sebelius. “The bottom line is that an efficient production and distribution of the vaccines will ensure citizens in Connecticut and across the country who need the vaccine receive it sooner rather than later.  It is the view from Connecticut that the nation is in need of a substantial overhaul of the vaccine production and distribution system.”

The Governor told Secretary Sebelius she understands that this year’s vaccination effort is unprecedented and that HHS has worked very hard for months on this issue.

“As a former governor you can understand the difficult position state and local officials across the country currently face when explaining to the public why they are unable to obtain both the H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines,” Governor Rell said.  “The number of vaccines, particularly all types of the H1N1 vaccine, is woefully short of the projected amount states were told they would receive by October 15.”

With regard to H1N1, HHS informed Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) in July that Connecticut would be receiving as many as 500,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine for residents by the middle of October. However, Connecticut has only received just 127,600 doses of the H1N1 vaccine.

“Implementing changes now will go a long way toward better protecting the United States from future threats posed by influenza or other illnesses,” Governor Rell said. 

Governor Rell noted that the low distribution numbers are the same across the country. In July, federal officials announced that 160 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine would be available nationwide by October 15.  This month, states were informed that only 30 million doses have been made available.

“Connecticut is not alone when it comes to our concerns over the inadequate distribution of the H1N1 vaccine,” Governor Rell said.

The Governor told Secretary Sebelius that the current situation also provides the opportunity to examine the seasonal flu vaccine distribution system closely for the purpose of preventing future shortages and delays, and providing protection from the flu for all those who need it. Updates from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicate that 82 million of the 114 million doses of seasonal flu vaccine have been distributed nationally.

“Throughout Connecticut, local vaccination clinics, physician offices, pharmacies and drug stores are reporting a lack of vaccine doses,” Governor Rell said.  “With the heightened awareness of H1N1 and the repeated exhortations for people to get their flu shots, the demand for seasonal flu vaccine has increased both nationally and in Connecticut. Yet, it seems Connecticut will receive fewer seasonal flu vaccines this year than in past years.  In addition, the vaccination season started nearly six weeks earlier this year than in years past. These factors, taken together with the lack of anticipated H1N1 vaccine, have led to the dual issues of perceived and real shortages of both vaccines.

“It is critical that our residents, particularly the priority groups identified by the CDC, be vaccinated as soon as possible. Frankly, our private providers and the vaccination clinics that should have been scheduled by now are far short of the doses they need and that they expected to have at this point. There is only so long we can convey your agency’s and CDC’s message of “patience” to the people of Connecticut, their doctors and local public health and emergency officials.”

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