COVID-19 Delays 2020-21 Influenza Vaccine Production and Delivery

Sept 10, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the production and delivery of influenza vaccines for the 2020-21 flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), manufacturers project 194-198 million doses of flu vaccine this season — compared to 175 million doses produced for the 2019-2020 flu season. "Because a record number of flu vaccine doses are being manufactured this year, the time to produce and distribute them will be longer." In addition, COVID-19 has disrupted the entire global supply chain and FedEx^® is experiencing limited air cargo capacity and delays in ground shipments in various parts of the U.S.