Flu season and clinical trials: Why early planning is essential for vaccine sourcing
By World Courier
Flu season puts pressure on healthcare systems every year — and while vaccines are generally available, failing to plan ahead can still cause logistical challenges for clinical trials.
If flu vaccines aren’t pre-ordered and delivered on time, trial sites may be left without stock when participants arrive. In some cases, this could mean sending them off-site to receive the vaccine — which may introduce variability or even affect participant retention. Early planning and coordinated sourcing are key to avoiding disruptions.
For clinical trial teams, the risk isn’t just about back orders or delivery delays. Shortages can stall trial timelines, increase costs, and affect the integrity of the study itself.
Flu vaccines are commonly used as comparators or co-administered treatments in a wide range of studies — particularly in immunology, infectious disease, respiratory health, and trials involving vulnerable populations such as older adults or immunocompromised patients. In fact, there are hundreds of ongoing and completed clinical trials involving influenza vaccines globally, according to the EU Clinical Trials Register*. This highlights just how integral flu vaccines are across various trial types – and why early planning is essential.
So, how can teams prepare in advance and keep their trials running smoothly through the busiest season of the year?
Flu season may feel predictable – but for clinical trial teams, it still brings important planning considerations. While shortages of influenza antivirals or vaccines are not typically an issue, delays or disruptions can still occur if products aren’t ordered and delivered well in advance. Pharmacies and hospitals are often prioritized during flu season, so sponsors need to coordinate sourcing early to make sure trial sites have what they need — at the right time and in the right location.
At the same time, transport and customs operations can slow down during winter months, especially in markets where severe weather disrupts deliveries. With lead times tightening and inventory fluctuating, trial teams need more than a purchase order — they need a sourcing strategy.
Even when products like flu vaccines are widely available, sourcing them at the right time — and in the right quantity — still requires careful coordination. That’s where working with a sourcing partner who understands the specific needs of clinical trials can make all the difference. From managing order timelines to ensuring delivery aligns with protocol requirements, a knowledgeable partner helps trial sponsors stay one step ahead and avoid unnecessary delays.
A partner with access to global sourcing channels, strong wholesaler and manufacturer relationships, and in-market depots can help ensure supply security — even when demand is peaking. Add in real-time shipment visibility, regulatory guidance, and temperature control expertise, and you’re not just buying a product — you’re building a resilient supply chain.
“Planning for flu season isn’t just about preparing for increased demand — it’s about creating flexible, risk-managed sourcing strategies that protect your trial timeline,” says Christen McGowan, Director, Global Comparator Sourcing, Cencora. “We work closely with trial sponsors to make sure seasonal supply challenges don’t stand in the way of progress.”
Whether you're running a global trial or a regional Phase II study, sourcing flu vaccines for clinical research requires more than good timing. It takes proactive planning, an understanding of protocol requirements, and a sourcing partner with proven access to flu vaccines approved for clinical trial use. With the right support in place, sponsors can stay ahead of seasonal demand and ensure a smooth experience for trial teams and participants alike.
At Cencora, we combine proven sourcing expertise with a global logistics network that’s built to manage seasonal pressure — helping you get the comparators you need, when and where you need them.
For clinical trial teams, the risk isn’t just about back orders or delivery delays. Shortages can stall trial timelines, increase costs, and affect the integrity of the study itself.
Flu vaccines are commonly used as comparators or co-administered treatments in a wide range of studies — particularly in immunology, infectious disease, respiratory health, and trials involving vulnerable populations such as older adults or immunocompromised patients. In fact, there are hundreds of ongoing and completed clinical trials involving influenza vaccines globally, according to the EU Clinical Trials Register*. This highlights just how integral flu vaccines are across various trial types – and why early planning is essential.
So, how can teams prepare in advance and keep their trials running smoothly through the busiest season of the year?
When public demand spikes, trials can feel the squeeze
Flu season may feel predictable – but for clinical trial teams, it still brings important planning considerations. While shortages of influenza antivirals or vaccines are not typically an issue, delays or disruptions can still occur if products aren’t ordered and delivered well in advance. Pharmacies and hospitals are often prioritized during flu season, so sponsors need to coordinate sourcing early to make sure trial sites have what they need — at the right time and in the right location.
At the same time, transport and customs operations can slow down during winter months, especially in markets where severe weather disrupts deliveries. With lead times tightening and inventory fluctuating, trial teams need more than a purchase order — they need a sourcing strategy.
Plan ahead to prevent seasonal shortages
Unlike one-off disruptions, flu season is something clinical trial teams can plan for. With the right preparation and partnerships, it’s possible to build resilience into sourcing plans — even for time-sensitive or high-demand products.
Here are three key strategies:
- Start forecasting early
Begin demand forecasting and sourcing discussions several months before flu season. Secure stock or pre-allocate comparator drugs as part of your planning. This helps reduce dependence on spot purchasing, as well as limit exposure to price fluctuations. - Build in buffer stock
Where regulations allow, holding buffer stock at regional depots can provide a safety net for when supply is tight. This is particularly useful for seasonal comparators with unpredictable availability. - Use regional sourcing models
Depending on the structure of your trial, a local or hybrid sourcing model may reduce strain on any one geography. By sourcing regionally rather than centrally, you can tap into in-market availability, shorten delivery times, and stay agile when supply chains tighten.
Why working with the right partner makes all the difference
Even when products like flu vaccines are widely available, sourcing them at the right time — and in the right quantity — still requires careful coordination. That’s where working with a sourcing partner who understands the specific needs of clinical trials can make all the difference. From managing order timelines to ensuring delivery aligns with protocol requirements, a knowledgeable partner helps trial sponsors stay one step ahead and avoid unnecessary delays.
A partner with access to global sourcing channels, strong wholesaler and manufacturer relationships, and in-market depots can help ensure supply security — even when demand is peaking. Add in real-time shipment visibility, regulatory guidance, and temperature control expertise, and you’re not just buying a product — you’re building a resilient supply chain.
“Planning for flu season isn’t just about preparing for increased demand — it’s about creating flexible, risk-managed sourcing strategies that protect your trial timeline,” says Christen McGowan, Director, Global Comparator Sourcing, Cencora. “We work closely with trial sponsors to make sure seasonal supply challenges don’t stand in the way of progress.”
Supporting your sourcing strategy — in every season
Whether you're running a global trial or a regional Phase II study, sourcing flu vaccines for clinical research requires more than good timing. It takes proactive planning, an understanding of protocol requirements, and a sourcing partner with proven access to flu vaccines approved for clinical trial use. With the right support in place, sponsors can stay ahead of seasonal demand and ensure a smooth experience for trial teams and participants alike.
At Cencora, we combine proven sourcing expertise with a global logistics network that’s built to manage seasonal pressure — helping you get the comparators you need, when and where you need them.
Topics:
Clinical trial logistics
