Novartis shipping 30 million doses of influenza vaccine well ahead of 2014-2015 season

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Novartis on Wednesday announced that it has begun shipment of its seasonal influenza vaccines to customers in the U.S. market for the 2014-2015 season. Novartis plans to ship a minimum of 30 million doses of vaccines (Flucelvax and Fluvirin). 

 

Flucelvax, which is approved for use in adults 18 years of age and older, is manufactured with cell-culture technology, a modern, alternative production method for influenza vaccines to the traditional egg-based production method. 

 

Fluvirin is indicated for persons 4 years and older.

 

Novartis is the only influenza vaccine manufacturer to use production technologies based on cell-culture (Flucelvax) as well as eggs (Fluvirin), the company stated.