Chiron Corporation recently announced that the United Kingdom regulatory body, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has temporarily suspended the company's license to manufacture Fluvirin® influenza virus vaccine in its Liverpool facility, preventing the company from releasing any of the product during the 2004-2005 influenza season. This has resulted in the United States (US) losing half of its flu vaccine supply. The shortage in the US does not impact the vaccine supply in Canada. Canada's two influenza vaccine manufacturers are on schedule to deliver enough vaccine to meet demands this flu season. Federal, provincial and territorial governments have worked very hard to ensure a domestic influenza vaccine supply is in place in order to protect the health and safety of Canadians. These publicly funded vaccines in Canada are intended for Canadian residents. The Public Health Agency of Canada, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, estimates how much flu vaccine is needed every year and Public Works and Government Services Canada coordinates bulk purchasing from two suppliers on behalf of the provinces and territories. Provinces and territories then administer their own immunization programs. In terms of sharing any potential surplus with the US, there are a number of questions that must be answered. First, the two flu vaccines used in Canada are not currently licensed for sale in the US so this is the number one issue that has to be resolved by the American regulator. As well, we are still very early in the flu season in Canada with provinces and territories just beginning their flu vaccination programs. At this point in time, we do not know what the final needs will be. Provinces and territories are reviewing their needs and will be assessing their supplies as the flu season unfolds. If it appears that Canadians' needs are well met, if the licensing issues in the US are addressed, and there is a surplus supply, then Canada would be in a position to help. However, Canada's ability to provide assistance is limited by US licensing requirements and the requirements of public programs in Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada will continue its discussions with the US and consider further assistance as the situation evolves. At this point, there is sporadic influenza activity in the US and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has taken appropriate measures to try to protect populations that are at high risk for influenza and its complications by asking those not identified as high risk to wait or, at least, delay, receiving their flu shots. Further efforts in the US are underway to find, and hopefully license, alternate vaccine sources and Canada is making an effort to help the US with this process by sharing information on product approval and safety. The Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, and the provinces and territories are working closely together on this issue. On behalf of these partners, the Public Health Agency of Canada will remain in close contact with our US partners to ensure the health and safety of Canadians continue to be protected. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that Canadians get the flu shot each year, particularly those at high risk of complications from the flu. This includes young children, those over 65 and individuals who already have medical conditions.
