September 19, 2005
To: All Vaccines for Children (VFC) Providers
Re: Prioritization of State-Supplied Influenza Vaccine for Children
Fluzone® (Trivalent Influenza Vaccine-TIV) Supply: Currently, the Rhode Island Department of Health has received 20% of its annual allocation of Fluzone® (10 dose vial, with preservative) for the upcoming influenza season. Therefore, providers will be allowed to receive up to 20% of any previously approved orders of Fluzone® influenza vaccine beginning September 27, 2005. Fluzone® will be available for pick-up at the Rhode Island Department of Health and hospital pharmacy depots. In order to pick up vaccine, you must bring photo identification and a cooler to protect the cold chain.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that only children in certain priority groups receive inactivated influenza vaccine (i.e., “flu shot”) until October 24, 2005:
- Children age 6-23 months
- Children age 2-18 years with underlying chronic medical conditions (this includes heart and lung disease, asthma, and diabetes)
- Adolescent females who will be pregnant during the influenza season
- Children aged 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy
- Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts (under age 19) of children 6 months and younger. Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts (over age 19) should acquire vaccination through an adult vaccine program.
Childhood vaccine distribution is on schedule with sufficient supply to offer vaccine to all children through age 18 beginning October 24, 2005.
Fluzone-PF® (preservative free) (TIV): Notices will be issued once the Fluzone-PF® has been received and is available for pickup.
Flumist® (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine-LAIV): The manufacturer of Flumist® will contact providers who have ordered state-supplied Flumist® with a schedule for delivery. Prioritization is not necessary for Flumist® . Flumist® can be administered at any time for vaccination of healthy children 5-18 years of age.
For questions regarding influenza vaccine orders, contact Mark Francesconi, Vaccine Manager, at 222-5988 or markf@doh.state.ri.us.
For information about dosage and administration of influenza vaccines, refer to the vaccine package insert and the ACIP statement: Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) MMWR July 29, 2005 / 54(RR08);1-40.
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