Novartis begins shipment of flu vaccine to U.S.

Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, a division of Novartis (Basel, CHE), started shipping seasonal influenza vaccine to U.S. healthcare facilities for the 2009-2010 season. The company delivered Fluvirin influenza virus vaccine weeks ahead of schedule in anticipation of the increased demand for seasonal influenza vaccine created by the current H1N1 influenza pandemic. Early arrival of the seasonal influenza vaccine will allow public health officials to begin administering vaccinations weeks ahead of their normal schedule, and will allow physicians and public health officials to better prepare for the upcoming flu season. Novartis Vaccines will provide the U.S. market with approximately 30 million doses of Fluvirin vaccine.