Seasonal Flu-Vaccine Manufacturing Delay Affects Inova Clinics

(October 9, 2009) – As has been reported in the news recently, efforts to quickly manufacture and distribute the H1N1 influenza vaccine have unexpectedly reduced supplies of vaccine for the seasonal flu. The manufacturers that supply Inova Health System with seasonal flu vaccine have recently informed Inova that deliveries of the vaccine will arrive later than anticipated.

As a result, Inova is temporarily postponing our flu shot clinics until we receive more vaccine. Inova will continue to hold certain scheduled clinics to serve our high-risk community, including the weekly family clinics held at Inova facilities, and will continue to vaccinate its employees, to help protect the patients they care for.

This is a temporary measure meant to conserve the seasonal flu vaccine supplies Inova has, and to ensure that our most vulnerable community members – as well as those who care for them – get the seasonal vaccine they need.

We expect to get more seasonal-flu vaccine from the manufacturer, but remain unsure of the exact timing or amount. As soon as we know more, we will reschedule the clinics. In the meantime, for information about clinic availability or location, call 703-750-8818 or visit inova.org/flu.