Destroying Flu Shots
The expiration date for flu shots is set at June 30th every year, while the vaccines are still potent. Nevertheless, millions of vaccines will be destroyed as the new strain for the coming year is developed.
The unpredictable nature of this limited market has resulted in some pharmaceutical companies’ reluctance to participate; one company left this scene secondary to leftover supplies causing a deficit.
The FDA, government vaccine advisors, and the CDC all acknowledge a difficult situation. Reduced players prompted a shortage of vaccines in October 2004. Discussions are considering alternatives to simply destroying the products: stockpiling vaccines in case of future shortages or donating the vaccines to impoverished countries. Some suggest revisiting the standard expiration date.
April 6, 2007 Related topics: Ethics & Scandals, Quality, Safety, Errors, Policies & Procedures, Pharmaceuticals, Cost savings