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Title: FDA Approves 6 Flu Vaccines for 2008-2009 Influenza Season
URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/2271FA.htm
Doctor's Guide
August 5, 2008

ROCKVILLE, Md -- August 5, 2008 -- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that it has approved 6 vaccines for this year's seasonal influenza vaccines that include 3 new strains of the virus likely to cause flu in the United States during the 2008-2009 season.

There is always a possibility of a less than optimal match between the virus strains predicted to circulate and what virus strains end up causing the most illness. Even if the vaccines and the circulating strains are not an exact match, they will provide some protection and may reduce the severity of the illness or prevent flu-related complications.

"One of the biggest challenges in the fight against influenza is producing new vaccines every year," said Jesse L. Goodman, MD, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland.

"There is no other instance where new vaccines must be made every year. The approval of flu vaccines is a part of FDA's mission to promote the health of Americans throughout the year."

The FDA changed all 3 strains for this year's influenza vaccine -- an unusual occurrence, as usually only 1 or 2 strains are updated from year to year.

Approval information, specific indications, and the list of strains included in the 2008-2009 vaccine can be found at http://www.fda.gov/cber/flu/flu2008.htm.


SOURCE: US Food and Drug Administration

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