Certain influenza vaccines produced in multidose vial exceed state thimerosal limits. Pregnant women or children under three years of age in Washington state may not ordinarily receive those vaccines. Influenza vaccines in single-dose presentations, whether a single-dose vial, prefilled syringe, or nasal spray, do not exceed state thimerosal limits. Pregnant women and children under three may receive single-dose influenza vaccine under Washington law.
On October 7, 2010, I declared a shortage of vaccine for the 2010 influenza virus that complies with the limits of RCW 70.95M.115(2). I also temporarily suspended the thimerosal limits imposed by RCW 70.95M.115(2) on use of the Influenza 2010 Trivalent Vaccines in multidose vial (5mL) presentations. The suspension will last until June 30, 2011. I did this to allow children under three and pregnant women access to protection against the 2010 influenza virus they would not otherwise have. It specifically applies to a subset of these two populations whom a health care provider determined to be at risk of allergic reaction to latex. The declaration also explained that I would determine if an extension of this declaration and suspension is appropriate for the 2011-2012 influenza season.
In July 2010, the federal Food and Drug Administration notified vaccine manufacturers that the tip caps used on prefilled syringes may contain natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions in latex-sensitive patients. Manufacturers issued notification to providers in the United States and changed their product label to include this information. The situation remains the same for the 2011 influenza vaccine supply. Rubber stoppers to be used on pre-filled syringes of influenza vaccine for the 2011-2012 influenza season may also contain natural rubber latex. Manufacturers will include the same notices in their product inserts. Influenza vaccine is produced annually and is in limited supply.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mary C. Selecky, secretary of the department of health, under RCW 70.95M.115(3), and under the circumstances set forth above and in my original declaration signed October 7, 2010, declare that there remains a shortage of vaccine that complies with the limits in RCW 70.95M.115(2) for influenza vaccine for pregnant women and children under age three who are at risk of allergic reaction to latex.
I also, under RCW 70.95M.115(3), effective immediately, temporarily extend the suspension of thimerosal limits imposed by RCW 70.95M.115(2) on use of the Influenza 2011 Trivalent Vaccines in multidose vial (5mL) presentations licensed for use in the United States and produced by the manufacturers GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Sanofi Pasteur, and CSL Biotherapies for administration to pregnant women and children under age three whom a health care provider determines to be at risk of allergic reaction to latex. This suspension is in effect until June 30, 2012. At the end of this period of suspension, I will reassess the available supply of vaccine to determine if it is necessary to continue this declaration of vaccine shortage.
Signed this 27th day of June 2011, at Olympia, Washington.
Mary C. Selecky
Secretary