Calls for Reimbursement of Unused Vaccine Doses

The deadline for ordering influenza vaccines for the 2025/26 season passed at the end of March, although manufacturers have since extended the deadline. The latest reports from the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI) indicate that the number of vaccine orders significantly deviates from the identified demand.

In a previous notification, PEI emphasized the urgency for pharmacies and medical practices to place their orders promptly to ensure a sufficient supply of flu vaccines for the upcoming season. The manufacturing process requires considerable lead time, making late orders impossible to fulfill, as additional doses will not be available.

In response to the low order volume, Sanofi-Aventis has extended the ordering deadline to April 30. Other manufacturers, including CSL Seqirus, Viatris, and Glaxo-Smith-Kline, have followed suit.

Jutta Sommer, the owner of an apothecary in Michelstadt, expressed concerns regarding the pressure on pharmacies. Many manufacturers are now selling vaccines directly to practices through their sales representatives, which has reduced the volume available for pharmacies to meet their patient needs. She explained that the risk of being left with unsold stock is high, as the financial calculations for private prescriptions or doses administered by the pharmacy can be unpredictable. Last season, her pharmacy had to dispose of a pack of Efluelda®, which cost 344 euros.

Despite the associated risks, Sommer continues to place orders to avoid the possibility of failing to provide patients with necessary flu vaccines. She believes that manufacturers should refrain from exerting pressure on pharmacies and instead allocate more supplies through a commission-based system or a reliable pharmaceutical wholesaler. It is unreasonable for pharmacies to bear the financial burden of stocking vaccines, only to potentially destroy unsold doses at the end of the season, thereby transferring the economic risk onto them.

As the healthcare sector navigates these complexities, the emphasis remains on ensuring adequate vaccine availability for the public while addressing the financial implications for pharmacies and healthcare providers.