HHS Expands Vaccine Capacity
The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded two contracts to expand the domestic influenza vaccine manufacturing capacity that could be used in the event of a influenza pandemic. The 5-year contracts were awarded to Sanofi Pasteur ($77.4 million) and MedImmune Inc. ($55.1 million). The contracts fund manufacturing operations and renovation of manufacturing facilities for 2 years, with options for an additional 3 years. Upon completion, these facilities will expand domestic pandemic vaccine manufacturing capacity by 16%, according to HHS. The facilities also will expand vaccine availability for the national stockpile.