PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi (SNY, SNYNF.PK), said it began shipping its 2011-2012 Fluzone Influenza Virus Vaccine in the U.S. The shipment represents the first of approximately 70 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccine the company plans to deliver to the U.S. in the upcoming season.
According to the company, Fluzone vaccine will again be provided this season in two formulations: 0.25 mL pediatric dose for children 6 months through 35 months of age and 0.5 mL dose for children and adults 36 months and older.
Sanofi Pasteur said Fluzone High-Dose vaccine, which was a new vaccine available in limited quantities last season following licensure at the end of 2009, will be widely available this season for adults 65 years of age and older. Fluzone High-Dose vaccine is specifically formulated to increase the antibody response in those 65 years of age and older.
The first shipments consist of Fluzone and Fluzone High-Dose vaccines. Regular shipments to health-care providers and their distributors will be ongoing with all health-care providers who have placed reservations receiving initial shipments by August and completed orders by early October. Due to the more recent licensure of Fluzone Intradermal vaccine, doses of this vaccine will be limited for the 2011-2012 season and are anticipated to ship in late September through October.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
© 2011 AFX News
