Changes to the 2009 H1N1 Vaccine and Supply Distribution Effective April 1, 2010

March 23, 2009, 3:30 PM EDT

Background

Since mid February 2010, CDC has been working closely with its centralized vaccine distributor to prepare for a second phase of distribution of 2009 H1N1 vaccine and supplies that will take effect on April 1, 2010.  This phase of distribution will involve a reduced number of distribution depots, a smaller on hand inventory due to the expiration of doses currently at the distribution depots, and a longer shipment timeline than the current same-day-fill timeline.  These changes are being implemented based on the current status of 2009 H1N1 disease rates and vaccination activities in the US.  However, given the potential for additional disease to occur in the coming months, contingency plans are being put into place to ramp up distribution capacity, if necessary.  The purpose of this document is to describe the key changes to distribution that grantees can expect beginning April 1, 2010.  

Key Features

Listed below are the key features of 2009 H1N1 vaccine and supply distribution beginning April 1, 2010:

1. There will be a single vaccine distribution depot (Memphis) and supply distribution depot (Columbus) that will serve all grantees.  Orders that had previously been directed to the other depots will be redirected to these two depots by McKesson. 
2. As previously discussed, vaccine inventory at the distribution depots has been reduced since the middle of February due to the expiration of vaccines.  CDC is monitoring inventory on a regular basis, but is not currently ordering vaccine/supplies to replenish the depots.  However, in the event that product demand increases, CDC will resume replenishment orders.
3. Beginning April 1, 2010, the shipping schedule will change as noted in the tables attached with supplies typically arriving before vaccine.  While most shipments will still be sent by overnight delivery, orders will no longer be filled same day. Federal Express Priority Overnight shipping will be the primary delivery method, though some US Territories may be shipped using alternate delivery methods.

Impact upon Grantees

1. The change in the number of vaccine and supply distribution depots will not have an impact upon grantee ordering — orders will continue to be placed in the normal way and McKesson will ensure routing to the new depot locations.
2. Grantees should expect longer shipping times and the cessation of Sunday evening shipping as noted in the tables attached.
3. Grantees will continue to see reductions in their allocation (both for [2009] H1N1 vaccine as well as the corresponding ancillary supply kits) based on the recent vaccine recall/field adjustment and product expiration.  CDC will continue to block the shipment of 2009 H1N1 doses once they reach a shelf life of one month.
4. Grantees will have increased options for swaps and donations as needed, since all grantees will be served from one supply and one vaccine depot.

Vaccine and Ancillary Supply Swaps/Donations

Because CDC has significantly reduced replenishment orders, CDC staff will continue to facilitate and support vaccine and ancillary supply swaps and donations for grantees who need additional vaccine or ancillary supplies.  Grantees can contact H1N1VacDistribution@cdc.gov for assistance.

Communication about Allocation Changes

In addition to grantee-specific information that will continue to be communicated in the Daily Allocation Balance Report, CDC will continue to send messages to grantees to identify which vaccine products are being reduced due to expiry.

Timeline for Shipments