Understanding Vaccine Distribution Methods


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Submitted by: CTG. Mitschang

The primary reason for the variation in vaccine distribution timing is that different types of vaccine providers receive their vaccine from different sources.

When it comes to influenza vaccine distribution, providers face a number of uncertainties each year. Influenza vaccine distribution will often take place in a phased fashion that can occur over a number of months, beginning in late summer for some manufacturers and sometimes completing as late as November or early December. This phased influenza vaccine distribution model can leave healthcare professionals in a quandary, unsure if their vaccine will arrive in time for their flu clinics.

The CDC website notes that most manufacturers and distributors attempt to get at least a portion of requested influenza vaccine distribution completed early in the season, so that clinics can begin vaccinating high-risk patients (people 50 years of age and older or those with chronic health conditions) and their household contacts. But until recently, influenza vaccine purchasers have been burdened with uncertainties about quantities and delivery dates.

Understanding vaccine distribution

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Vaccine manufacturers are often called to task for the unpredictable nature of flu vaccine distribution. Their response is that due to the unpredictable nature and complexity of biologics production, it is difficult to predict when specific vaccine lots will be completed and released. Obviously, vaccine distributors are dependent on manufacturers for this information, and both are hesitant about making unrealistic promises to customers.

Timing dependent on source.

The primary reason for the variation in vaccine distribution timing is that different types of vaccine providers receive their vaccine from different sources. A provider may order influenza vaccine directly from the manufacturer, or they may choose to go through a distributor, who in turn gets the vaccine from the manufacturer. Additionally, there is the option of going through a secondary distributor, from whom the provider also receives other medical products. Some of these routes of distribution are more direct than others, which can affect the timing of vaccine delivery.

Distribution process changes

In recent years, some vaccine distributors have opted to streamline the distribution process. Unlike the traditional influenza vaccine distribution system, with its uncertain delivery dates and quantities, these new systems put the control into the provider?s hands by giving them the ability to choose specific delivery dates.

Traditionally, healthcare providers have been at the mercy of suppliers and distributors when it came to deliver dates for their flu vaccine orders. This unpredictability created many challenges to a successful vaccination clinic, including planning difficulties, storage issues and a potential inability to educate and vaccinate patients in a timely manner.

Preparation is key.

If a clinic found itself unprepared during flu season, it could often lose patients to whatever facility received its vaccine first. Thanks to improvements within the distribution process, these providers can now select specific delivery dates for their vaccine, which allows them to plan vaccination clinics with the confidence of knowing their flu vaccine will arrive on time.

Of course, actually getting the flu vaccine is not the only aspect of a successful clinic. Providers will need to obtain resources and clinic planning tools to help get the word out. Successful clinics use posters, email marketing and brochures to let people know it is time for flu vaccines.

With the flu vaccination season already in full swing, understanding how vaccine distribution works can help providers plan for successful clinics.

About the Author: T.Mitschang is the author of this article on Flu Vaccine Distribution.Find more information, about Flu Vaccine Supply hereVisit

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for more information.

Source:

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