Blagojevich’s office says a letter would be sent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today requesting its approval of the deal. Approval would allow the state to provide flu shots to Illinoisans at risk for serious complications from the flu.

The wholesaler is one the state has been in touch with through its prescription drug program, which offers Illinois residents access to affordable prescription drugs from pharmacies in Britain and Canada.

State officials have negotiated a purchase price of $7 a dose.

The nation’s supply of flu vaccine became scarce after a British manufacturer was barred from shipping any of its doses because of contamination.