The priority being placed on creating and distributing enough swine flu vaccine has actually created shortages of vaccine for the seasonal flu.

Those shortages are causing the prices of seasonal flu vaccine to rise and Connecticut's attorney general, Richard Blumenthal, wants to know if those price increases, as well as what some are saying is the preferential supplying of large retailers, is the result of illegal business practices like price gouging.

Blumenthal has sent letters to 13 drug makers and distributors with a series of questions such as how much they charge for seasonal flu vaccine presently versus a few months ago or last year. Also, he wants an explanation for any price increases.

According to a press release from the attorney general:

Blumenthal said his office has received complaints of season flu vaccines being offered at many times the normal price, as much as $100 a dose or higher. Other allegations include distributors and manufacturers reneging on price agreements by demanding new, higher prices for already-ordered doses, and distributors buying back vaccine for resale at inflated prices.

 

"My office is vigorously and aggressively investigating allegations of price gouging and favoritism in distribution of seasonal flu vaccine," Blumenthal said. "A flu shot can mean life or death for seniors and the sick, requiring we assure limited supplies are distributed equitably at a fair price. Price gouging or preferential distribution of such life-saving medication would be unconscionable and unacceptable. I will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law companies or individuals who seek to profiteer from the seasonal flu vaccine shortage

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"The vaccine shortage need not shortchange the vulnerable. Need — not price gouging or buying power — should dictate allocation of severely limited supply. We must assure that these potentially life-saving vaccines are available to all who truly need them.

"I am asking vaccine makers and distributors to detail, prices, supply levels and distribution methods and criteria to guard against favoritism and gouging. I will fight to assure no one makes a killing off the seasonal flu vaccine shortage — potentially endangering seniors and the sick — and everyone who needs a shot gets one."