Aventis Pasteur Issues Statement on Availability of Influenza Vaccines

SWIFTWATER, Pa. -- For the upcoming influenza season, Aventis Pasteur expects to supply more than 52 million doses of influenza vaccine to the U.S. market. This amount exceeds last year's supply by more than nine million doses and is the largest U.S. production ever by a single manufacturer. Our customers began receiving shipments in early August and all will receive at least a partial shipment of their order by the end of

September. The balance of shipments will be completed as originally announced

to our customers.

Aventis Pasteur has experienced robust demand for Fluzone Influenza

Virus Vaccine this season through a pre-booking campaign that began last

December. In addition, the companys vaccine production experienced strong yields that enabled it to maximize the amount of vaccine it can supply and to accelerate its shipping schedule.

Due to the delays being experienced by another manufacturer, Aventis

Pasteur will work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC) to best manage its remaining supply once existing customer

commitments are fulfilled. Until these plans are finalized, the company will establish

a waiting list of providers who request new or additional vaccine shipments. Aventis Pasteur is also assessing the possibility of increasing production.

Source: Aventis Pasteur