H1N1 FLU BREAKING NEWS: Vaccine profits and campaigns

H1N1 2009 Pandemic Influenza

Feb 17, 2010

H1N1 vaccine lifts CSL profits
Australian vaccine manufacturer CSL Ltd. posted higher-than-expected profits for the second half of 2009, largely due to sales of H1N1 vaccine, Bloomberg News reported. The company's net income was $617.4 million in Australian dollars, above analyst estimates that averaged $530 million. In the 6-month period, CSL earned $160 million just on H1N1 vaccine. Cancellations of some orders did not affect today's numbers, the company said.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-16/csl-profit-rises-23-on-sales-of-swine-flu-vaccine-update1-.html
Feb 17 Bloomberg story

South Africa schedules flu-shot campaign
The government of South Africa will launch a national flu-vaccination campaign Mar 15, to ensure maximum immunity before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in June. The South African Press Association (SAPA) reported that the country will use a total of 4.8 million doses in two rounds beginning March 15 and May 3. Both rounds will be aimed primarily at front-line healthcare personnel and high-risk groups, including children and pregnant women.

Maine offers vaccine at sports tournament
Capitalizing on the crowds expected to attend a statewide basketball tournament, Maine's public health department will offer both H1N1 and seasonal flu shots this week. The state's Center for Disease Control and Prevention said it will stage daytime and evening clinics at the basketball tournament of the Maine Principals' Association, which includes all public and some private high schools in the state.

Chile buys H1N1 vaccine for southern flu season
The health ministry of Chile announced it has purchased 2 million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine in anticipation of the start of the Southern Hemisphere's flu season, adding to 500,000 the government already has on hand. The Latin American Herald Tribune reported the shots will be used for healthcare workers, chronic-illness patients, pregnant women, and children younger than 2. Those over 60 will not be eligible for government shot campaigns but can obtain the shots through private providers.
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=352423&CategoryId=14094
Feb 17 Latin American Herald Tribune story

This week's top reads

  1. Top virologists urge world leaders to act on rising avian flu threat

    Global Virus Network scientists highlight the need for robust surveillance, enhanced biosecurity, and readiness for potential human-to-human viral transmission.

    Mary Van Beusekom

  2. Long COVID has unique symptoms, persistence not seen in flu, pneumonia, research suggests

    With increasing time since diagnosis, only the severe infections continued to cause symptoms. 

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Older man wiping brow

  3. CIDRAP launches Vaccine Integrity Project to help safeguard US vaccine use

    The steering committee will make recommendations on how non-governmental groups can help ensure that vaccine use is evidence-based.

    Mary Van Beusekom
    MMR vaccine vial on table

  4. US measles cases climb higher, approach 900

    Thirty states have cases, and 83% of infections are part of outbreaks, the largest centered  in West Texas.

    Lisa Schnirring
    young boy with measles

  5. USDA withdraws proposal to reduce Salmonella in poultry

    The Biden-era rule would have prevented the sale of raw chicken or turkey with certain levels or strains of Salmonella.

    Chris Dall
    Raw poultry in processing plant

  6. Measles cases in Europe, the Americas skyrocket

    Almost 90% of the European cases were reported in Romania.

    Stephanie Soucheray
    measles vax

  7. Tick-borne meat allergy may be related to urbanization in mid-Atlantic US

    The study identified open-space development and low population density as risk factors for Alpha-gal syndrome. 

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Lone star tick

  8. 'On the precipice of disaster': Measles may be endemic in 25 years if vaccine uptake stays low, model predicts

    A 10% decline in vaccine uptake could lead to 11.1 million cases of the highly contagious illness in that timeframe.

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Measles virus

  9. H5N1 avian flu surges in Idaho's dairy cattle

    There are currently 59 herds quarantined in 4 Idaho counties.

    Lisa Schnirring

  10. HHS, NIH announce universal vaccine platform, promote placebo trials for new vaccines

    The Wall Street Journal reports the Trump administration is investing $500 million in the universal vaccine project.

    Stephanie Soucheray
    flu vax

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