An audit of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccine wastage in general practice

To the Editor: From 30 September 2009, the Australian Government began offering free pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccine (Panvax, CSL Limited, Melbourne, VIC), using either 10-dose (5 mL) or 20-dose (10 mL) vials.1 Multidose vials are not used routinely in Australia, and are designed for high-volume vaccination clinics.2 Once pierced, a Panvax vial must be used within 24 hours or discarded.3 We investigated vaccine wastage in general practice during the first month of the vaccine’s availability.