Delayed influenza vaccine availability for 2001-02 season and supplemental recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Manufacturer projections of vaccine distribution for the 2001-02 influenza season suggest that 49.8 million doses will be available for delivery by the end of October 2001; this is approximately 26 million fewer doses of influenza vaccine than were available by the end of October 1999 (75.8 million doses) (Figure 1). Manufacturers also project distribution of 27.3 million doses in November and December, bringing the cumulative projected total to 77.1 million doses, which is greater than in 2000 (70.4) and comparable with 1999 (76.8). Predictions of monthly vaccine distribution vary by manufacturer, and providers will probably receive vaccine on different schedule.