2004-2005 influenza vaccine shortage: Vaccine redistribution model

The Monroe County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), in partnership with the Monroe County Medical Society (MCMS), developed a vaccine redistribution model to address the shortage of influenza vaccine during 2004-2005 by assessing the community's need among high-risk patients and establishing a system of redistribution. The target population was high-risk groups defined by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The main goals were to ensure that only high-risk individuals be vaccinated, to allay public concern, and to eliminate the difficulties associated with public clinics. The MCDPH requested the cancellation of all public and employer clinics, and that vaccine be redirected to physicians who could best determine a patient's need. In addition, the MCDPH asked that private physicians who had excess vaccine make it available. Within 12 weeks, the MCDPH, working in partnership with the MCMS, had redistributed 60,000 doses of influenza vaccine and vaccinated all high-risk patients identified.