FIRST FLU VACCINES SHIPPED TO U.S.; EUROPEAN SHIPMENTS DELAYED

Swiss drugmaker Novartis has announced the delivery of its first shipments of Fluvirin influenza virus vaccine to the United States for the 2006-2007 influenza season. The FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research released in early August the first lots of Fluvirin vaccine, positioning it to become the first trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine available this year. The lots delivered this week correspond to more than 1 million doses of vaccine. Novartis intends to deliver the majority of its vaccine by the end of October.

"Recently expanded vaccination recommendations highlight the importance of getting vaccinated prior to … the flu season to help reduce transmission of influenza to those who are most vulnerable," said John Vavricka, head of Novartis Vaccines North America.

However, according to the European Vaccines Manufacturers, production of vaccines in Europe will be delayed due to low yields associated with the new H3N2 strains provided by the World Health Organization. The delays have affected the manufacturing campaigns for all influenza vaccine producers. Deliveries in Europe are expected to begin in September, with the bulk of deliveries expected later in the vaccination season.