BACKGROUND:
In support of HHS proposed legislation to allow underinsured children to receive VFC vaccine in public health clinics, NIP conducted a survey to determine the proportion of public vaccine distributed by different distribution channels in CY 2002:
1. Health Dept.
2. FQHC/RHC (both public and private categories in VACMAN)
3. Other Public
4. Private

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate project-level vaccine distribution channels; to compare vaccine distribution and vaccine purchases during the same time frame.

METHOD:
VACMAN 2.63 distribution data were collected with a utility or a spreadsheet. Adult vaccines were removed. Distribution data were analyzed by project, vaccine type, and distribution category. A comparison of 2002 vaccine purchase and distribution data was conducted.

RESULT:
Fifty-six projects returned the survey. Approximately 41.5% of 56 million doses were distributed through public sector channels (Health Departments = 23%; FQHC/RHC = 10%; Other Public = 8%). Private channels accounted for 58.5% of total distribution. PCV-7 vaccine had significantly more distribution through the private channel than the public (66.0% and 34.0%, respectively). The reverse was true for Hepatitis B (48% and 52%, respectively). Nearly 10% more vaccine was purchased than distributed in 2002 (valued at $100 million).

CONCLUSION:
More public-purchase vaccine was distributed through private channels than public in CY 2002 (58.5% and 41.5%, respectively). Health departments were responsible for distributing 55% of all public sector vaccine. Distribution percentages varied by vaccine type and distribution channel. The data support previous analyses indicating approximately 10% more vaccine is purchased than distributed annually. This may be an underestimate, since CY 2002 experienced vaccine shortages which lowered purchases.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
The learner should be able to describe the distribution channels for public-purchase pediatric vaccines, distribution variation by channel and vaccine type, and the relationship between vaccine distribution and purchase.