The introduction of FLUARIX, indicated for adults 18 and older against influenza disease, is the next immediate step in that commitment. FLUARIX, currently distributed in 79 countries, will be available exclusively in prefilled Tip-Lok syringes.
"The introduction of FLUARIX is a vital step in the effort to improve vaccination rates in the United States and protect against this highly communicable infection that threatens young and old alike," said Dr. John Treanor, associate professor of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, N.Y. "Influenza can be a serious health threat, so the increased availability of this vaccine is critical to help keep the virus at bay and to potentially avoid epidemics."
Influenza is a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus that affects five to 20 percent of the total U.S. population during each influenza season. Between 1990 and 1999, approximately 36,000 people died in the United States each year from complications of influenza infection; more than 90 percent of these deaths occurred in persons 65 years of age and older. Influenza can reach epidemic levels and poses a significant threat to public health, particularly among the nation's oldest and youngest citizens. Influenza vaccination is the primary method for preventing influenza and its severe complications.
Jean-Pierre Garnier, CEO of GlaxoSmithKline, said the company was pleased that it could bolster the country's supply of flu vaccine in time for the 2005/2006 flu season. "The shortage of flu vaccine last year was a reminder of the importance of vaccines in hea
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Contact: Michael Fleming
919-483 2839
Cohn & Wolfe
31-Aug-2005