GSK begins shipping the first lots of 2012-2013 seasonal influenza vaccines

GlaxoSmithKline [NYSE: GSK] announced today it has begun shipping the first lots of 2012-2013 FluLaval® (Influenza virus vaccine) and Fluarix® (Influenza Virus Vaccine) to CDC distribution centers and U.S. healthcare providers. This follows approval of this season's GSK seasonal influenza vaccines by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

FLULAVAL is approved for use in adults (18 years of age and older) to help protect against influenza disease caused by the virus subtypes A and B contained in the vaccine. FLUARIX is approved for use in adults and also children (3 years of age and older).

"The three strains of influenza virus in the seasonal influenza vaccine can change from year-to-year based on estimates of the strains that will circulate in the upcoming season," said Dr. Leonard Friedland, VP and Head, Clinical/Medical Affairs, GSK North America Vaccine Development. "This is a key reason why the CDC recommends everyone six months of age and older gets an influenza vaccination every year. For the 2012-2013 influenza season, two of the three strains have been changed compared to last year's formulation."

Beginning with today's initial shipments, GSK flu vaccine will be available to most healthcare providers in time to address back-to-school immunization needs of parents and children. Subsequently, the company anticipates being able to supply its seasonal flu vaccines to the US marketplace well into 2013.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Unraveling the mechanism of Shufeng Jiedu Capsules in influenza treatment