Huge proportion of swine flu vaccines going to waste

Huge proportion of swine flu vaccines going to waste





MORE than 7.5 million of the 19 million doses of swine flu
vaccine bought by the federal government for more than $100 million
could be wasted, after a survey found 42 per cent of doses distributed
to a sample of GPs ended up in the bin.
Researchers analysed figures from 134 general practices and found
20,685 doses had to be thrown away because the multi-dose vials in
which the vaccine was supplied were not used up within the required
time.

One flu expert yesterday said the findings, published in today's
edition of the Medical Journal of Australia, showed the swine flu
vaccine program had been "a monetary and strategic mistake".

However, the federal Health Department has challenged the findings,
saying they are based on a small sample of GPs accounting for a
"fraction" of all the vaccinations conducted so far.

A far smaller wastage figure of between 10-14 per cent had been
reported from Tasmania and the ACT, where much larger-scale monitoring
was in progress.








Vaccine-maker
CSL and the federal government last year agreed to ship the Panvax
swine flu vaccine in multi-dose vials, containing either 10 or 20 doses
rather than pre-loaded single-dose syringes.

To minimise contamination risk, the Therapeutic Goods Administration
ordered doctors and immunisation providers to throw out the remainder of
opened vials after 24 hours.

According to the survey carried out by experts in NSW Health, 49,130
doses were consumed by the 134 practices, indicating that 20,685 doses
(42 per cent) were wasted. Three of the 134 practices used an average
of just one dose from each vial before having to throw it away.

The authors said the results showed wastage was "substantial" and "if
similar wastage occurred nationally, over 7.5 million of the 19 million
doses available to Australians could be wasted".

Infectious diseases specialist Peter Collignon said the results "show
that when you do things in a hurry and put a whole contract out when
you don't have an escape clause, that's obviously a monetary and
strategic mistake".
Meanwhile, doctors are predicting a deadly flu season as people shun
immunisation in the wake of a ban on seasonal flu shots for young
children.

Australian Medical Association president Andrew Pesce yesterday warned
this year's looming flu season could be worse than usual unless
vulnerable patients were vaccinated.

"The flu season is really starting now . . . if people don't vaccinate,
the indications are more people will get the flu," he said.
Dr Pesce said parents should continue to vaccinate children against
swine flu -- which landed 700 young children in intensive care last
year -- as it would be the dominant strain this winter.


Source:-
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/politics/huge-proportion-of-swine-flu-vaccines-going-to-waste/story-e6frgczf-1225861304734