Chiron falling short on vaccine supply

Hit with production delays and problems triggered by new technology and processes adopted by its flu vaccine production facility, Chiron announced that it will not be able to meet its forecast 18 million to 26 million doses of its Fluvirin vaccine for the coming season. Company officials did not estimate how much they could ship. Chiron had already cut its forecasted production of vaccine earlier in the year. Depending on just how far off the company is, the US could once again face a shortfall in needed vaccine supplies. Chiron abruptly shut its vaccine facility in Liverpool last year after regulators discovered it was contaminated.

Only weeks ago the Centers for Disease Control had outlined what it hoped was a plentiful supply of vaccine. But health officials are also quick to note that each flu season is ripe with potential problems. This year, rising fears of a deadly avian flu outbreak could increase the chances of a shortage as more people take advantage of whatever protection is available.

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