A Season Ahead

CSL Biotherapies is a leading provider of flu vaccine around the world, including countries in the southern hemisphere.

Since flu season comes to the southern hemisphere a number of months before it hits the northern hemisphere, we are experienced in providing many of the antigens used in the northern hemisphere’s presentation of Afluria^® Influenza Virus Vaccine.

For example, the 2007 southern hemisphere vaccine contained the following selections:

A/H1N1 (A/New Caledonia/20/99)¹
A/H3N2 (A/Wisconsin/67/2005)¹
Influenza B (B/Malaysia/2506/2004)¹

The northern hemisphere 2007-2008 vaccine strain selections are similar, but not identical:

A/H1N1 (A/Solomon Islands/3/2006)
A/H3N2 (A/Wisconsin/67/2005)
Influenza B (B/Malaysia/2506/2004)

This understanding and experience enhances our ability to be a reliable supplier of influenza vaccine to the United States and other countries within the northern hemisphere.

REFERENCES:

The Influenza Sequence Database Website. Northern and southern hemisphere vaccine strain selections by season. Available at: http://www.flu.lanl.gov/vaccine/. Accessed September 3, 2007.

Important Safety Information

Afluria^® is indicated for active immunization of persons 18 years of age and older against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B present in the vaccine. The indication is based on the immune response elicited by Afluria^®; no controlled clinical studies have demonstrated a decrease in influenza disease after vaccination with Afluria^®.

Afluria^® should not be administered to individuals with hypersensitivity to eggs or chicken protein or other components of Afluria^®, or to anyone who has had a life-threatening reaction to previous influenza vaccination. The most common injection-site adverse reactions were tenderness, pain, redness, and swelling. The most common systemic adverse reactions were headache, malaise, and muscle aches.

Vaccination with Afluria^® may not protect all individuals. Immunocompromised persons may have a diminished immune response. If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of prior influenza vaccine, the decision to give Afluria^® should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.

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