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FFF Enterprises Responds to Flu Crises

FFF Enterprises, Inc. has released an account of how it has responded to the ongoing swine flu outbreak. The company’s actions, according to chief executive officer Patrick M. Schmidt, illustrate “that preparedness – not panic – is the answer to managing [H1N1].

As a key player in the flu vaccine distribution marketplace, FFF Enterprises, Inc., in Temecula, Calif., was prepared for the wave of inquiries it faced on Monday, April 27, just days after the first headlines about the swine flu outbreak in Mexico began surfacing. Company executives held weekend conference calls, consulted with the CDC and began drafting a comprehensive communication plan almost immediately.

“Initially there were many more questions than answers but we knew it was vital that we stay in close contact with our manufacturing partners and customers to apprise them of breaking news as soon as it became available,” Mr. Schmidt said. The company immediately organized a series of e-mail blasts and set up a designated Intranet message board for real-time updates about the spread of the virus and its designated pandemic threat level. Other key communications included updates on vaccine production timelines and how the development of an H1N1 vaccine might impact availability of annual flu vaccines. The company also did a quick inventory of its warehouse to determine how much Tamiflu (Roche) it had on hand. (The antiviral is approved for the prevention and treatment of influenza in adults and children aged 1 year and older, and is recognized by world health officials as an effective treatment for the H1N1 flu virus.)

“Initially we had limited supplies onsite, and we made the decision to set aside reserves for employees and their families,” Mr. Schmidt said. “Protecting our team members to keep them functioning would ensure business continuity in the event of a pandemic. Thankfully, no one has been infected and we have not had to tap into those reserves. We’ve since secured a limited supply of Tamiflu which we’ve offered to our customers on a first-come basis.”

Seasonal Flu Also Important

Although much attention has been focused on the potentially deadly consequences of an H1N1 pandemic, Noll points out that over 36,000 people die from the seasonal flu each year, noted Luke Noll, vaccine specialist, FFF Enterprises. That’s why “it is an opportune time to focus on flu awareness and education,” he said. To that end, the company’s website offers links to support materials including a “Flu Myths and Facts” page aimed at dispelling common beliefs about the flu vaccine.

“For most people, getting immunized against influenza is the easiest and most effective way to reduce their risk of infection,” Mr. Noll said. “With annual vaccination, they can help protect themselves and avoid spreading infection to those who are unable to receive the vaccine.”

In 2006, FFF launched MyFluVaccine in an effort to streamline the vaccine distribution process. Unlike the traditional flu vaccine delivery system, MyFluVaccine gives health care providers the ability to choose the exact date they wish to receive their flu vaccine with the certainty of knowing it will arrive on time.

“Our customers told us that they would often lose patients to whatever facility received its vaccine first,” said Chris Ground, senior vice president, FFF Enterprises. “MyFluVaccine gives these providers the ability to select specific delivery dates for their vaccine, which allows them to plan vaccination clinics with the confidence of knowing their flu vaccine will arrive on time. It’s revolutionized the industry.”