Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to understand the dynamics of the influenza vaccination system.


Background:
The influenza immunization system is unique when compared to other types of immunizations for several reasons: (1) Influenza vaccine is reformulated each year. (2) The influenza vaccine has a limited shelf life. (3) The influenza vaccine is typically administered during a short period of time. (4) Various factors related to the marketplace and supply chain affect the timely and efficient distribution of influenza vaccines.


Setting:
This presentation is based on a series of issue briefs prepared for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. These issue briefs illustrate the complexities of the influenza vaccination system.


Population:
Confidential interviews were conducted with 30 representatives of federal agencies, vaccine manufacturers, distributors, state experts, mass immunizers, and other experts.


Project Description:
The presentation will include a review of influenza vaccine economics, the influenza vaccine supply chain, buyers and sellers, manufacturing, and demand.


Results/Lessons Learned:
Economics
* Characteristics of the influenza vaccine market;
* Industry regulatory requirements;
* Factors affecting the profitability of vaccine production, and;
* Factors affecting the decisions about how much vaccine to produce and possible approaches to prevent future shortages of influenza vaccine.
Vaccine supply chain
* Current means for vaccine purchase and distribution and
* Limitations associated with the current approach.
Influenza vaccine manufacturing
* Unique characteristics of the influenza vaccine;
* Structure of the vaccine industry;
* Nature of the market;
* Decisions about the amount of vaccine produced;
* Investments in new technologies;
* Implications of relying on global manufacturers, and;
* Factors that influence manufacturers' decisions to enter or exit the market.
Influenza Vaccine Demand
* Factors that impact the demand for influenza vaccine and
* How they can affect supply.