The FDA has approved GlaxoSmithKline's Fluarix, opening up a supply of 8 million doses of vaccine for the coming flu season. GSK provided about half that much vaccine last season as the FDA allowed emergency shipments to flow into the US following the sudden closure of Chiron's Liverpool facility. Yesterday, the FDA gave that manufacturing site a green light to start production again, another move likely to insure easy availability of vaccine this year.
While Fluarix does not protect people from a dreaded outbreak of avian flu, health experts say that the demand for flu vaccine is likely to hit record levels this fall. Widespread inoculation would help health officials more quickly identify an avian flu outbreak, should it occur.
- read this story from the Independent for more