GSK begins shipping 2014-15 flu vaccines

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has begun shipping next season’s influenza vaccines to U.S. healthcare providers. GSK expects to supply 28-33 million doses for the 2014-15 flu season. 

“Consumers today have more options than ever to help protect themselves against the flu,” said Deborah Waterhouse, senior vice president and business unit head, U.S. vaccines, GSK. “Since introducing our own four-strain vaccines last year, we’ve seen a strong uptake. It’s important for consumers to discuss these options with their physicians and get early seasonal protection as the nature and severity of flu seasons can be unpredictable.”

FDA has granted GSK licensing and lot-release approval for its flu vaccines Fluarix, Flulaval, and Flulaval Quadrivalent.

Quadrivalent flu shots are designed to protect against two different types of “A” flu strains and two types of “B” flu strains. Trivalent flu shots are designed to protect against two different types of “A” flu strains and one “B” flu strain.

For the upcoming flu season, all vaccines will protect against an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Texas/50/2012 (H3N2)-like virus, and a B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus. The quadrivalent vaccines will also protect against an additional B virus-the B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends most Americans over the age of six months get annual flu shots.