SWIFTWATER, Pa., Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Sanofi Pasteur said Wednesday health providers had contacted the firm in record numbers to order flu vaccine for next year.
Sanofi said that yesterday, when it began accepting pre-booking requests, it received more than 200,000 calls from providers requesting its Fluzone vaccine for the 2006-2007 flu season.
"During the eight-hour period from noon to 8 PM yesterday, the company received as many calls as it normally receives in a six-month period," Sanofi said in a statement.
As a result, all of the 50 million vaccine doses Sanofi intends to produce for the 2006-2007 flu season have been committed, except for its preservative-free pediatric formulation. Sanofi said it could produce additional doses for delivery in November or December if there is enough demand.
The firm has begun construction of a new manufacturing facility for production of annual flu shots as well as vaccine in the event of a flu pandemic, but this facility won't be ready until the 2008-2009 season.
