GlaxoSmithKline has announced that it will begin shipment of Flulaval [Influenza Virus Vaccine] and Fluarix [Influenza Virus Vaccine] to U.S. customers for the 2008-2009 influenza season.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) released the first lots of Flulaval and Fluarix, allowing distribution to begin. GSK plans to supply the U.S. market with approximately 35 million doses of the two products combined -- an increase from last year, when GSK contributed approximately 33 million doses.
GSK anticipates delivery of at least half of its influenza vaccines by the end of August and the vast majority to be shipped to customers by the end of September.
"GSK is committed to continually raising awareness of the role of influenza vaccination in helping to keep people healthy," said David Pernock, Senior Vice President, GlaxoSmithKline. "We are excited to play an integral part in helping adults protect themselves against this serious infection."
Fluarix is available for purchase on GSKVaccinesDirect.com. Flulaval is available for purchase on GSKVaccinesDirect.com or through three distributors -- Henry Schein, Inc., McKesson Medical-Surgical and ASD Specialty Healthcare.
Influenza, or the flu, is primarily passed from one person to another through the air by droplets released when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, but may also be spread by direct contact with flu virus-contaminated surfaces.