Lethality of H1N1 Influenza Virus Increasing
As the World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert to phase 6, the top of its six-point scale, a new analysis released yesterday (June 10) of the latest peptide genomic data for the H1N1 influenza virus shows that the current global outbreak of H1N1 is increasing in its capacity for lethality. The new sequence data [...]
Baxter Advances to Full-Scale Production of A/H1N1 Vaccine
Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX) announced today that it has completed testing and evaluation of the A/H1N1 influenza virus and is now in full-scale production of a commercial A/H1N1 vaccine using its Vero cell culture technology. Baxter received an A/H1N1 strain from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [a World Health Organization (WHO) [...]
US Influenza Vaccine Antigen and Adjuvant Orders for 2009 (H1N1)
Manufacturer
Bulk Vaccine Antigen
Oil-In-Water Bulk Adjuvant
Novartis
$150 million
$139 million
GlaxoSmithKline
$ 38 million
$144 million
Sanofi
$191 million
CSL Biotherapies
$180 million
MedImmune
$ 90 million
Total
$649 million
$283 million
HHS has contracted with these manufacturers that currently hold U.S. licenses for flu vaccine as part of the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza. In May 2009, HHS issued new orders on these contracts to produce a bulk supply [...]
Influenza Vaccines for the new Virus Strain A (H1N1)
The first doses of influenza A (H1N1) vaccine could be available within five to six months after identification of the new virus. Prior to this date, small quantities of experimental vaccine will be made available to immunize volunteers in clinical trials to select the best vaccine formulations. Regulatory approval for the vaccines will be conducted [...]
Vaccine Market Leading Companies and Government Bodies
Leading companies and government bodies in the biodefense vaccines and therapeutics community:
Advanced BioAdjuvants
Aldevron, LLC
AMAR International, Inc.
AVI BioPharma
Battelle
Bavarian Nordic A/S
Bavarian Nordic GmbH
CBMS-JVAP
Center for Biosecurity of UPMC and University of Pittsburgh
Center for Disease Prevention and Control
Chimerix, Inc.
CUBRC
Dalrymple & Associates, LLC
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Homeland Security
DNAvaccine.com
Drinker, Biddle & Reath
DynPort Vaccine Company LLC, [...]
Influenza Vaccine Side Effects
Different side effects can be associated with the influenza shot and LAIV.
The influenza shot: The viruses in the influenza shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a influenza shot. Some minor side effects:
Aches
Fever (low)
Soreness
Redness
Local swelling where the shot was given
If these side effects occur, they begin soon after the [...]
Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness
The ability of influenza vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and health status of the person getting the flu vaccine, and the similarity or “match” between the virus strains in the vaccine and those in circulation. Testing has shown that both the influenza shot and the nasal-spray flu vaccine are effective at [...]
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated against Influenza
These are categories of people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician:
Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group).
People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)
People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 [...]
Who Should Get Vaccinated against Influenza
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is especially recommended for people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are [...]
