GSK begins shipment of 2014-15 flu vaccines

PHILADELPHIA — GSK has begun shipping Fluarix Quadrivalent (influenza vaccine) doses to U.S. healthcare providers, the company annouced. This marks the first shipment of GSK's U.S. flu vaccine supply for the flu season, which follows licensing and lot-release approval from the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.



The company also received 2014-15 license approvals for its other flu vaccine formulation, which oncludes Fluarix, Flulaval and Flulaval Quadrivalent. GSK hopes to supply a combined total of 28 to 33 million doses — across all four vaccines — to the United States for the upcoming flu season.



“Consumers today have more options than ever to help protect themselves against the flu,” said Deborah Waterhouse, SVP 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.”



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that most Americans over the age of 6 months old receive a flu vaccination each year to help protect against the disease, the company noted. GSK's flu vaccines are indicated for persons ages 3 years and older. Consumers should consult their physicians about which flu shots may be the most appropriate.