To Medical Center Employees:
Unfortunately a large lot of seasonal flu vaccine from Novartis was destroyed due to freezing (rendered ineffective) during shipment to nationwide distribution centers. The shipment included 13,000 doses designated for MUSC and this greatly reduces our supply. Our pharmacy department is working to identify additional sources at this time but the outlook is not very good. 
 
Specific instructions have been widely disseminated by e-mail concerning criteria for vaccination of high priority ambulatory patients and inpatients.
 
Our original plans to provide vaccine to all employees have changed. Work is under way to identify high priority employees in order to make the best use of our vaccine doses. Additional details will be issued soon and steps are being taken to begin vaccination of priority groups. Any employees wishing to obtain the seasonal flu vaccine right away are encouraged to visit their primary care physician or local pharmacy.
 
This does not affect the H1N1 vaccine. We expect to receive the H1N1 vaccine in the days ahead and specific instructions will be issued concerning employee vaccinations. 
 
On another matter, last week we wrapped up 14 town hall sessions attended by approximately 900 employees. The attendance was down compared to some previous town hall sessions, but I want to thank everyone who attended.
 
While everyone is encouraged to attend town hall meetings, I know it’s difficult for many to schedule time. Highlights of the town hall were included in a previous Currents newsletter. The town hall slides will be posted on the MUSC Excellence Web site (http://mcintranet.musc.edu/muscexcellence/index.htm).
 
Thank you very much.

W. Stuart Smith
Vice President for Clinical Operations
and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center

Friday, Oct. 9, 2009