Makers expect to have record 132 million doses of flu vaccine for U.S.

April 20, 2007

ATLANTA - Flu vaccine manufacturers expect to have a record 132 million doses ready for the 2007-2008 flu season, and even more could be available if a fifth company joins their ranks, officials said yesterday.

CSL Biotherapies, an Australian company, applied last month for federal approval to sell its flu vaccine in the United States this fall.U.S. health officials say that more than 200 million Americans should get vaccinated each year. But setbacks in recent years, including vaccine delays and shortages, have left doctors and patients soured and confused.

"To protect people, we need more vaccine," said Dr. Jeanne Santoli, deputy director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's immunization services division.

Influenza kills about 36,000 Americans each year, and hospitalizes 200,000 more, according to the CDC.

If approved, CSL would join four other companies providing flu vaccine in the United States. Three make flu shots - Sanofi Pasteur Inc., which projects 50 million doses; Novartis Vaccines, which expects to make up to 40 million doses; and GlaxoSmithKline, which is planning 30 million to 35 million doses.

MedImmune Inc., based in Gaithersburg, plans to make about 7 million doses of FluMist, a nasal mist recommended only for healthy people between ages 5 and 49. It contains live virus and carries a slight chance of causing flu-like symptoms.

From wire reports.