October 23, 2006
To: SSV Provider Sites
Re: Recall of Select Novartis (Chiron) Vaccine
Novartis (Chiron) Fluvirin vaccine, which is ordered through the CDC and distributed to states by Cardinal Health, has been recalled. Two shipments to New York State were frozen on arrival. Proper shipping procedures were not followed.
The RI Immunization Program is the only recipient of this shipment in RI. The RI Immunization Program received 10,000 doses, however, NONE HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO PROVIDERS. Any Fluvirin previously distributed by the RI Immunization Program was from a different source and is not affected by this recall. Novartis is working to replace the vaccine by the end of October/beginning of November utilizing another distributor.
Until this product is replaced, there will be limited vaccine for 5 to 18 year old children. We continue to encourage the use of Flumist (intranasal vaccine) for healthy children 5-18 years of age, throughout the flu season, to assure there is enough vaccine for all children.
The table below lists the flu vaccines we will be providing and the status of availability. We request that you use the table below as a guide when administering vaccine to specific age groups.
Age Group |
Vaccine Type 1 |
Health Status |
CPT Code |
Dose |
Route |
Status of Availability |
6 - 35 months |
Fluzone (Sanofi)
Preservative
Free
(Pre-filled syringe) |
Healthy and
High-risk |
90655 |
0.25 mL |
IM |
Limited quantity on-hand |
3 - 4 years |
Fluzone (Sanofi)
With Preservative
(Injectable-10 dose vial) |
Healthy and
High-risk |
90658 |
0.50 mL |
IM |
Limited quantity on-hand |
5 - 18 years
|
Flumist (MedImmune)
(Single dose sprayer) |
Healthy
Children Only |
90660 |
0.50 mL
(0.25 mL each nostril) |
Intra-nasal |
Available to order (direct delivery) |
Fluvirin (Chiron)
(Injectable-10 dose vial) |
High-risk 2 |
90658 |
0.50 mL |
IM |
Very limited quantity on-hand |
1. Children < 9 years of age receiving injectable (Fluzone/Fluvirin) vaccine for the first time should receive 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart. Children 5-8 years of age receiving Flumist for the first time should receive 2 doses 6-10 weeks apart.
2. Fluvirin may be used for healthy children if vaccine supply permits.
Priority groups (high-risk) for influenza vaccination:
- Children ages 6-59 months
- Children ages 6 months-18 years with underlying chronic medical conditions (this includes heart and lung disease, asthma, aspirin therapy, and diabetes)
- Adolescent females who will be pregnant during the influenza season
- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers (under age 19) of children 6 months and younger
For more information about flu vaccine recommendations see: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr55e628a1.htm
CPT Codes and KIDSNET
Please report influenza vaccines to KIDSNET by using the correct CPT codes (provided above).
Questions? Contact Mark Francesconi at 222- 5988 or mark.francesconi@health.ri.gov , with questions about vaccine ordering, handling, and storage. For questions about dosage and administration, contact Patricia Raymond, RN, at 222-5921 or patricia.raymond@health.ri.gov . |
