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Atypical Strain Change Suggests Supply Challenges for 2008-09 Flu Vaccine
FFF recommends customers split their orders!
When the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that influenza vaccines for the 2008-2009 season should be manufactured for three new strains of the virus, some concern arose about the effects on the vaccine supply since, typically, only one or two of three strains are replaced each year.
When the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) concurred with the WHO recommendations, concerns grew louder. Industry experts indicate that the three new strains – including Brisbane/10, a version of the H3N2 flu; a second new Type A strain known as H1N1/Brisbane/59, and a newer Type B/Florida strain – could possibly result in reduced supply and delayed product releases.
“Flu vaccine manufacturers must shift gears and address three new strains, instead of the typical one or two new ones,” explained Chris Ground, FFF’s senior vice president of national accounts. “And, apparently, manufacturers in the Southern Hemisphere have found the Brisbane/10 strain difficult to grow. Given that, and the eight-month production cycle, there is some concern that the market may not see product until later in the season and the production yield could also be affected.”
In response to these supply concerns, FFF recommends that customers split their orders between multiple manufacturers and split the total doses needed across several delivery dates throughout the vaccination season. This will help assure a reliable supply if one manufacturer does have a problem.
To place your 2008-2009 order:
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