October 14, 2005
While world health officials focus on concerns of a possible "bird flu" pandemic, health care providers are gearing up for another season of dealing with ordinary flu bugs. Within days, they should begin receiving shipments of the first vaccine since last years contamination problems cut the U.S vaccine supply in half.
This year, Chiron Corp. says there were no production problems and U.S. health agencies have cleared about 1.5 million doses of the vaccine for distribution. The company says the shipments will take place in a few days, following some final tests.
The process will continue through this month and into November and December," a spokeswoman said.
Last year, U.S. health care providers were thrown into a panic after Chiron lost the manufacturing license for its British flu vaccine plant, meaning it could send none of its vaccine to the U.S. The U.S. had planned to obtain half its supply from Chiron.
Chiron worked for months to correct the bacterial contamination problems that resulted in the suspension of sales, and the British plant was cleared by U.S. inspectors at the end of the summer.
Confusion reigned during last years flu season. In some areas there were shortages, resulting in long lines and pleas to the low-risk population to forego flu shots in favor of more vulnerable groups. By the end of the season, however, there was vaccine left over that was never used.
Health authorities say there should be no such problem this year. The total U.S. supply for the upcoming flu season is expected to range from 71 million to 97 million doses.
