How Cencora continues to enable efficient and reliable access to seasonal vaccines
By AmerisourceBergen
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the importance of efficient and reliable distribution of seasonal vaccines cannot be overstated. Vaccines play a critical role in preventing illness and promoting public health, particularly during flu season and in the context of ongoing COVID-19 challenges. During the 2023–2024 season, the CDC estimates that flu vaccines prevented 9.8 million flu-related illnesses and nearly 8,000 deaths.1
“For the last two seasons, I have prebooked with Cencora. The process has been superior in every way… I know that the release of [vaccines] varies every year, but eliminating that very significant lag time from the process is game changing…”
– Director of Pharmacy in Alabama
Healthcare providers should begin to offer influenza vaccines in October as activity typically peaks between December and February but can last as late as May.2 Yet, preordering for the season typically begins as early in the year as January. Why is that?
Preordering vaccines is vital for their availability and optimization of the distribution process. It gives manufacturers, distributors, and government agencies an indication of the collective volume of vaccines to be produced, while providing a chance for providers to get ahead of demand by essentially reserving their doses early. By securing vaccines in advance, you can manage your inventory more effectively and better serve your patients.
Enhancing our preorder capabilities
To enable you to deliver timely patient vaccinations, we have implemented significant internal and customer-facing enhancements to our seasonal vaccines preordering process:
- Unified preorder tool: Easy-to-use tool within existing ordering platform that allows for efficient management of vaccines orders and inventory tracking
- Clearer shipment tracking: Visual aids and clearer messaging provide insight into order statuses and delivery schedules, allowing for effective planning and less uncertainty
- Pricing: Actively working with manufacturer partners to secure and communicate pricing earlier, allowing for more time for provider preparedness
- Improved distribution strategy: Expanded distribution center (DC) capacity planning and seasonal vaccines DC capabilities to enable quicker deliveries
The purchasing advantages, tools, and support you need for a successful seasonal vaccines program
Choosing to preorder through Cencora comes with a range of advantages designed to streamline your operations and lead to improved patient care:
- Reduced inventory risk: Leverage our distribution capabilities to reduce your on-hand inventory and carrying costs
- Price protection: Rest assured you’ll get your lowest authorized price – including GPO contract pricing, if applicable
- Ordering convenience: Choose amongst vaccine options from all major manufacturers in one convenient location, simplifying your ordering process and enhancing efficiency
- Dedicated seasonal vaccines team: Experienced team to support with questions, industry trends, and custom report requests throughout each stage of the season
As we continue to enhance our processes and communications, we remain committed to empowering you to deliver timely vaccinations and improve patient outcomes. Don't wait until the last minute—start your preorder today and position yourself to provide the best possible care during the upcoming season.
Now accepting preorders for
the 2025–2026 vaccines season
Preorder flu vaccines by May 31, 2025 and COVID-19 vaccines by June 30, 2025 to receive priority shipping.
