Some California Health Agencies Shortchanged on H1N1 Vaccine Order
California public health officials are working to resolve distribution problems that caused at least 25 public health agencies to receive less than 45% of their orders for vaccines against H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Some counties received as little as 31% of their vaccine order, compared with a statewide average of 45%.
In addition, some local officials noted that Kaiser Permanente facilities often received H1N1 vaccines before other health care providers.
State officials said Kaiser received some early doses because the organization previously demonstrated effective distribution of seasonal flu vaccines.
Mike Sicilia, spokesperson for the state Department of Public Health, said officials are working to redirect new vaccine shipments to the agencies that initially received the lower shares (Hennessy-Fiske, Los Angeles Times, 11/5). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.