Date Published: 23 August 2006

Canada: Delayed availability of Influenza Vaccine for the 2006-07 Season

This is a news statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada:

Flu vaccine manufacturers have reported problems growing one of the strains recommended for this season's flu shot. As a result, the vaccine should be available to the provinces and territories at the end of October or beginning of November.

This is about a month later than usual in some jurisdictions and means that the timeframe for the delivery of public programs will be compressed. People, however, should be able to receive the vaccine before the peak of the flu season, which typically does not occur until mid-December or later.

The production of influenza vaccine is a unique and complex process. The vaccine must be produced annually to ensure it provides the best possible protection against the latest types of flu virus in circulation since new viruses emerge each year.

The makeup of the vaccine is based on annual recommendations from the World Health Organization which are usually received in mid-February. Production starts soon after and usually takes about six months. Vaccine manufacturing is a biological process where manufacturers are dealing with a live, unpredictable virus. This means that there is always some potential for variation in the process. Time lines for the manufacturing and testing of the vaccine are also tight so challenges in the production process may result in unexpected delays.

Based on the World Health Organization guidelines, Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended this year's influenza vaccine contain an A/New Caledonia-like, an A/Wisconsin-like and a B/Malaysia-like virus strains.

There was a delay in getting the appropriate seed strain for the A/Wisconsin strain. The strain also had a low yield so it took longer to produce. The WHO also issues test kits that are used to determine the content and strength of the vaccine. Given the problems with the A/Wisconsin strain, the distribution of the test kits were also delayed. All of these factors have led to the end of October delivery date.

The ideal time to be vaccinated is anywhere from October to November. Obviously, federal, provincial and territorial health authorities would prefer to see public programs launched as early as possible but this is a situation that all manufacturers are facing. The Public Health Agency is working closely with the provinces and territories to develop a plan to manage the supply of the vaccine and make sure it is available when and where it is needed.

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