BACKGROUND:
Influenza vaccination is recommended for all children aged 6-23 months as well as for high risk children of any age and their contacts. In December 2003, widespread influenza activity was reported by health departments in 45 states. Between October and mid-December, 42 influenza-associated deaths among children aged <18 years were reported to CDC. Early on-set of the 2003 influenza season and public concern about influenza-associated deaths in children contributed to unprecedented demand for influenza vaccine.

OBJECTIVE:
Assess influenza supply issues among pediatric practitioners at the height of the 2003 influenza season.

METHOD:
Data were collected from members of 4 pediatric professional organizations December 9–18 via a website survey hosted by CDC.

RESULT:
285 pediatricians from 44 states, the District of Columbia, and 1 island territory responded to the survey. Most (254, 89%) reported that their current supply of influenza vaccine was not sufficient to meet demands for influenza vaccination this flu season. 59 (21%) practitioners reported having no vaccine and another 122 (43%) reported having <50 doses. 225 (79%) of the pediatricians had ordered influenza vaccine within the past 10 days. Of these, 199 (88%) reported having problems with their order, with 135 (68%) being unable to obtain any vaccine, 63 (32%) not being able to obtain the type of vaccine requested and 92 (46%) not being able to obtain as much vaccine as requested.

CONCLUSION:
During December 2003, supply of influenza vaccine among pediatricians was insufficient to meet demand. Due to the time needed to manufacture influenza vaccine, pediatricians should consider ordering sufficient vaccine to cover potentially high demand prior to the start of the influenza season.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Attendees will have an understanding of influenza vaccine supply issues in 2003