CMA is collaborating with major flu vaccine manufacturers and distributors to investigate this year’s distribution problems and discuss what can be done in the future to prevent similar failures. One distributor, FFF Enterprises is considering an innovative web-based vaccine ordering and distribution system. As part of the program, physicians would be guaranteed a secure supply of flu vaccines each year. Patients (and physicians) would be able to schedule their flu shots online and the vaccine would be delivered directly to the health care provider administering the vaccine.

To help us assess the viability of such a project, please take five minutes to complete a brief survey. The survey is available online at http://www.flufocused.com.

And don’t forget, now is the time to start ordering vaccine for next year (2006-2007).

Contact: Robin Flagg, 415/882-5110 or rflagg@cmanet.org.