Could flu shot supply fall short this year?
FDA’s abrupt decision raises concerns about vaccine availability
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) abrupt decision to cancel next month’s vaccine advisory committee meeting has raised concerns about whether the U.S. will have enough flu vaccine for the next season. The meeting, where experts recommend the strains for next season’s flu shot, is a crucial step in the production process, and its cancellation has left manufacturers scrambling to meet the tight deadline.
Drugmakers face a tight deadline
Drugmakers already face a tight deadline to produce enough doses for distribution in the fall. The federal government typically places preorders for the vaccines in January and February, which appears to have been done as usual. However, manufacturers cannot start producing the doses until the FDA selects the strains. Shots are usually available by the end of July or early August, according to Litjen Tan, co-chair of the flu shot advocacy group the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit.
The advisory committee meeting plays a key role
The advisory committee meeting plays a key role in the process, as the flu virus is constantly evolving, requiring updates to the vaccine to provide the best protection. This year’s FDA flu meeting was scheduled for March 13, with a final decision from the agency on the strain expected shortly after.
Manufacturers may struggle to meet the deadline
Tan said that depending on the vaccine technology used, manufacturers can wait until late March for input from the FDA on strain selection to produce enough doses for the fall. However, if the delay is any longer, it will put manufacturers into a huge bind.
A particularly bad flu season
This season has been particularly bad, with as many as 910,000 hospitalizations so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 86 children and 19,000 adults have died.
What does this mean for the public?
The cancelation of the meeting raises concerns about the availability of the flu vaccine for the next season. If drugmakers don’t have enough time to produce the vaccines, “many lives that could be saved by vaccination will be lost,” said Dr. Tin Tan, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
What are the implications for the public?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months old. Data so far show that this year’s flu vaccine is 63% to 78% effective for preventing hospitalization in children and teens, and 41% to 55% effective for adults, the CDC reported Thursday.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the FDA’s advisory committee meeting has raised concerns about the availability of the flu vaccine for the next season. While manufacturers are still preparing for next year’s flu season, the uncertainty surrounding the meeting’s cancellation has left many wondering if there will be enough vaccine to go around.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the FDA’s advisory committee meeting?
The meeting is where experts recommend the strains for next season’s flu shot.
* Why was the meeting canceled?
The FDA has not provided a reason for the meeting’s cancellation.
* What are the implications for the public?
If drugmakers don’t have enough time to produce the vaccines, “many lives that could be saved by vaccination will be lost.”
* Will the WHO’s advisory committee meeting be considered instead?
The WHO’s advisory committee meeting is scheduled for Friday and is expected to decide which strains should be included in next season’s flu vaccines for the Northern Hemisphere.
