U.S. buys 375,000 more flu shots

By The Associated Press

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WASHINGTON — The government yesterday announced the purchase of 375,000 flu shots for adults, scrambling to ease vaccine shortages in what is turning out to be a harsh flu season.

In addition, the Health and Human Services Department negotiated a deal that will let state and local health departments buy up to 3 million doses of the nasal vaccine FluMist at $20 a dose, less than half the usual price, a spokesman said.

The nation's two producers of flu shots reported earlier this month they had shipped their entire supply of about 80 million doses, and shortages began as an early and hard-hitting flu season led to increased demand.

However, Aventis Pasteur had set aside 250,000 doses for the government when it became clear that shortages might develop — 100,000 for adults, being shipped now, and 150,000 for children, due to arrive next month.

The newest purchase, of 375,000 adult doses, comes from Chiron Corp. It was not immediately clear how Chiron came up with the additional vaccine, which was manufactured in Britain, although the company said last week that it was exploring whether "extra production material" could supply more doses.

Now in bulk form, the vaccine is being repackaged into syringes and will arrive next month. The government paid $8 a dose.

Federal health officials want remaining shots to be reserved for the people at highest risk of flu complications — the elderly, children under 2, pregnant women and anyone with chronic medical conditions.

FluMist, in contrast, is supposed to be used only by healthy people ages 5 to 49.

Officials of the Washington state Department of Health, which provides vaccine for children at high risk for flu complications, said they likely will have access to the injectable vaccine in January. However, it's unlikely the state will purchase any FluMist vaccine because it is not approved for anyone at high risk for complications, said Donn Moyer, a spokesman for the department.

Seattle Times staff reporter Warren King contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2003 The Seattle Times Company