FLU VACCINE SHORTAGE PROBED FINAL CALIFORNIA SHIPMENT ISSUED; LOCAL CLINICS MAY SOON REOPEN WITH ADDED SUPPLIES.

Byline: Dana Bartholomew Staff Writer

Relieving a deficit that has canceled flu-shot clinics, state health officials distributed the final vaccine shipment Tuesday to health agencies throughout California as lawmakers called for an investigation into vaccine shortages.

The shipment was hailed by Los Angeles and Ventura county health departments, which closed flu shot clinics earlier this month because of national vaccine production delays.

``This will provide better coverage throughout the county,'' said Dr. Alvin Nelson, director of the immunization program for the Los Angeles Department of Health Services.

This week's shipment allows local health agencies to continue scheduling flu shot clinics for those most vulnerable to the flu: the elderly, people who are chronically ill and pregnant women.

Delivery will also allow counties to supply private clinics that have had difficulty obtaining the vaccine.

The state had ordered 730,000 influenza vaccine doses, of which 114,000 doses were slated for Los Angeles County and 21,000 doses for Ventura County by early fall.

But manufacturing delays coupled with an alleged diversion of the state's flu vaccine order caused some clinics to close earlier this month in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

This year's suspension of flu shot campaigns just as the flu season approaches has prompted a federal investigation into vaccine distribution.

Typically, vaccine orders are fulfilled by October. Lawmakers have asked for an investigation into allegations that vaccine was often delivered first to agencies that placed the largest orders - or were willing to pay more.

At issue is whether California's vaccine supplier, General Injectable & Vaccine Inc., had sold out the state for higher profits in Maine, according to a letter sent to the General Accounting Office.

In February, the Virginia-based company contracted to sell vaccine to California at $17.99 per vial. Five months later, the company contracted to sell the same vaccine to Maine for $39, according to the Nov. 17 letter.

The Maine order was filled by September, while California waited until this month for its vaccine.

Company officials were unavailable for comment Tuesday.

``California as a state has been shorted,'' said Rep. Gary Condit, D-Modesto, who has led the campaign to investigate vaccine suppliers.

``In places such as L.A., where you've had clinics close, . . . people haven't been able to get their shots,'' he said. ``This isn't a third-world country - people should not be penalized for profit.''