Delaware Health Alert Network #146
February 11, 2008 2:52 pm
Health
Advisory
ORDERING INFLUENZA VACCINE FOR 2008-2009 FLU SEASON
As the 2007-2008 flu season begins to wind down, it is time to begin preparing for the next flu season. The Delaware Division of Public
Health is advising all Providers that have not already done so to place vaccine orders for the 2008-2009 influenza vaccine as soon as
possible.
Providers are reminded that currently Delaware law prohibits the administration of vaccines containing any level of mercury to children
younger than 8 years old and to pregnant woman. It is therefore particularly important that providers order sufficient quantities of
thimerosal-free flu vaccine to accommodate the anticipated need within the individual practice based upon their client profile.
For the current and upcoming seasons, the Division of Public Health continues to encourage providers to maximize the use of mercury-free
influenza vaccine for children less than 8 years old and pregnant women by prioritizing their stock of mercury-free vaccine for this
population.
The table below lists currently available flu vaccine, the age indication and thimerosal content:
| Manufacturer | Product | Formulation | Age Indication | Contains Thimerosol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSL Biotherapies | Afluria® | 5.0 mL vial (13 doses) | 18 years & older | YES |
| CSL Biotherapies | Afluria® | 0.5 mL single-dose syringes | 18 years & older | NO |
| GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) | Fluarix™ | 0.5 mL single-dose syringes | 18 years & older | YES |
| GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) | FluLaval™ | 5.0 mL vial (13 doses) | 18 years & older | YES |
| MedImmune | FluMist™ | 0.2 mL prefilled single-use sprayer | 2 through 49 years | NO |
| Novartis Vaccines | FluVirin™ | 5.0 mL vial (13 doses) | 4 years and older | YES |
| Novartis Vaccines | FluVirin™ | 0.5 mL single-dose syringes | 4 years and older | YES |
| sanofi pasteur | FluZone® | 5.0 mL vial (13 doses) | 6 months and older | YES |
| sanofi pasteur | FluZone® | 0.25 mL single-dose syringes | 6 months -35 months | NO |
| sanofi pasteur | FluZone® | 0.5 mL single-dose syringes | 36 months and older | NO |
| sanofi pasteur | FluZone® | 0.5 mL single-dose vials | 36 months and older | NO |
For more information please call the Immunization Program at 1-800-282-8672.
Categories of Health Alert messages:
- Health Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.
- Health Advisory: Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.
- Health Update: Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.
