Needle shortage

2,831 Views | 17 Replies | Last: 5 yr ago by BiochemAg97
Port of Hepatis
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11:37a, 8/21/20
AG
No fear mongering here but something to be aware of as we head into fall.

I am an MD sitting on my health system's group planning COVID related activities. Suppliers are warning us that there may be a national shortage on needles used for routine influenza immunizations. Hospitals have also been warned about disruptions on other supply deliveries going into spring 2021.

So get your flu shot as soon as you can.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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Million
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11:51a, 8/21/20
Isn't the flu vaccine less effective during the flu season if you get it too early?
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flyingaggie12
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12:47p, 8/21/20
AG
When does the new flu vaccine come out?
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AgResearch
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In reply to flyingaggie12 • 5:51p, 8/21/20
AG
flyingaggie12 said:
When does the new flu vaccine come out?


Pediatrician told us today they will get first shipment in 2 weeks and a decent supply by mid-September. Midwest region.
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DadHammer
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6:08p, 8/21/20
AG
Optimal is late October according to what I have read.
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Charpie
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6:49p, 8/21/20
AG
Ask your doctor. My clinic will have theirs next week supposedly.
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MiMi
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7:02p, 8/21/20
S
What is so special about the needles used for flu shots? What gauge and length are used? Does this needle have a unique feature that other needles don't have? Or are they the same (or similar) needles as other vaccines or injections? If flu shots are affected, are other vaccines at risk?
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Not a Bot
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In reply to MiMi • 7:11p, 8/21/20
AG
There isn't anything special about a flu shot needle vs other IM needles. It's usually just a 22 or 23 gauge 1.5" needle.
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GAC06
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7:21p, 8/21/20
AG
I got a flu "shot" as a nasal spray once. Is that not still a thing?
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amercer
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In reply to GAC06 • 8:51p, 8/21/20
AG
GAC06 said:
I got a flu "shot" as a nasal spray once. Is that not still a thing?


Still a thing. Used to get it for free when I worked for the company that made it. Over the years there has been debate on the shot vs the spray, but it seems they both work equally well.

The nasal spray comes in it own delivery device and I don't know it they could make a couple hundred million extra if a needle shortage raises demand.
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MiMi
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8:55p, 8/21/20
S
Quote:
There isn't anything special about a flu shot needle vs other IM needles. It's usually just a 22 or 23 gauge 1.5" needle.
Then I wonder why only flu shots are at risk for a needle shortage? And why a needle shortage at all?
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Van Buren Boy
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12:46p, 8/22/20
AG
Kids are getting their flu shots on Monday. Wife asked the same question about it being too early. Ped said it's not an issue.
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agz win
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3:02p, 8/22/20
AG
CVS lady this morning asked if I wanted a flu shot as I sat in my car in their drive thru. Bizarre.
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AggieMPH2005
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5:50p, 8/22/20
Our suppliers have been telling us this too but honestly it's the same for masks, gowns, gloves, bouffant head covers, boot covers, shoe covers and dexamethosone. All are going on periodic back order and we are having to get creative.

It's not that the flu needles are special just that the increase in demand will exacerbate a stretched and stressed supply chain.
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flyingaggie12
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In reply to agz win • 9:15p, 8/22/20
AG
Can they give them through the drive through lol?
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Law Hall 69-72
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10:18p, 8/22/20
AG
Just check with California. They give out millions of them for free.
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BiochemAg97
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In reply to MiMi • 8:28a, 8/23/20
AG
MiMi said:
Quote:
There isn't anything special about a flu shot needle vs other IM needles. It's usually just a 22 or 23 gauge 1.5" needle.
Then I wonder why only flu shots are at risk for a needle shortage? And why a needle shortage at all?
Probably because the federal government is stockpiling needles for COVID vaccine.

Only half joking. US gov made significant investments in Smiths and BD to increase domestic needle production, in addition to just about anything related to a vaccine.

https://www.medicalcountermeasures.gov/barda/influenza-and-emerging-infectious-diseases/coronavirus/pharmaceutical-manufacturing-in-america/?filter=domesticManufacturing
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Port of Hepatis
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10:56a, 8/23/20
AG
As others have said, the needle isn't special. This is just part of the overall supply crunch. Not sure what stockpiling may be occurring for the upcoming COVID shot.

The point of highlighting this as it pertains to the flu shot is that it is the single most impactful population health issue that the supply quandaries may inflict. And it could be significant. Imagine the winter COVID resurgence that's predicted with a nice little kicker of under-immunized influenza!
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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BiochemAg97
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In reply to Port of Hepatis • 3:13p, 8/23/20
AG
MickeyZeno said:
As others have said, the needle isn't special. This is just part of the overall supply crunch. Not sure what stockpiling may be occurring for the upcoming COVID shot.

The point of highlighting this as it pertains to the flu shot is that it is the single most impactful population health issue that the supply quandaries may inflict. And it could be significant. Imagine the winter COVID resurgence that's predicted with a nice little kicker of under-immunized influenza!


Even if there isn't a COVID resurgence, everyone who gets the flu is going to undergo COVID protocol until they get a negative COVID test. That means tons of people self isolating.
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