Improved Timing of Availability and Administration of Influenza Vaccine Through the Vaccines for Children Program From 2007 to 2011

Background:  Approximately half of all vaccines provided to US children are distributed through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. A previous study in 2007-2009 demonstrated a delay in the delivery and administration of VFC influenza vaccine relative to privately purchased (non-VFC) vaccine; the delay was linked to lower 2-dose compliance among the VFC population.

Objectives:  To compare the timing of delivery and administration of VFC vs non-VFC influenza vaccine in US pediatrician offices in 2010-2011 relative to 2007-2008 and 2008-2009

Methods:  A prospective observational study was conducted in 42, 84, and 105 offices during the 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2010-2011 influenza seasons, respectively. Offices reported vaccinations administered by age group and VFC status semimonthly during the season; influenza vaccine shipment arrival dates were reported at season end. Two-dose compliance was calculated for children requiring 2 doses by dividing total second vaccinations by total first vaccinations.

Results:  In all seasons, the median first shipment arrival date was earlier for non-VFC vs VFC vaccine: 9/15/2007 vs 10/15/2007, 8/20/2008 vs 10/1/2008, and 8/10/2010 vs 9/8/2010, respectively. Administration of VFC vaccine was delayed vs non-VFC vaccine by approximately 1 month in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 and 0.5 months in 2010-2011. Two-dose compliance rates for the VFC vs non-VFC populations were 38.5% vs 47.5% in 2007-2008, 45.9% vs 55.1% in 2008-2009, and 50.0% vs 52.9% in 2010-2011, respectively.

Conclusions:  Delivery of VFC influenza vaccine was consistently delayed relative to non-VFC influenza vaccine, which is expected due to additional requirements and complexity of the VFC distribution system. In 2010-2011, VFC shipments arrived earlier than in previous years, which reduced the administration delay and enabled greater equity in 2-dose compliance rates between the VFC and non-VFC populations. Arrival of VFC influenza vaccine by early September appears to mitigate the effects of delayed VFC vaccine shipment. Sponsored by MedImmune, LLC.