CONSUMER ALERT IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:           Lori Sitler

Phone:              (302) 577-8314

Pager:               (302) 247-1132

Date:                October 14, 2004

ATTORNEY GENERAL BRADY ISSUES ALERT REGARDING FLU VACCINE PRICING

(Wilmington, DE):         Given the nationwide shortage of flu vaccine, some locations have seen prices rise significantly for those who seek to get flu shots.  Attorney General Jane Brady urges consumers, businesses and health care providers to report any suspected flu vaccine price inflation to her Consumer Protection Unit at (800) 220-5424.

Although no complaints have been received in Delaware to date, there have been reports from other states that the shortage has resulted in inflated prices.  According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, a pharmacy pays an average wholesale price of between $80 and $100 for 10 doses of vaccine.  Consumers pay an average retail price of about $20-$25 when receiving a flu shot from a pharmacy or medical provider. 

Any Delaware consumer, business or health care provider that has been asked to pay an inflated price is urged to contact the Consumer Protection report line at (800) 220-5424.

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