GSK Begins Shipping Influenza Vaccines in Canada for 2025-26 Season

GSK has begun shipping influenza vaccine doses for the 2025-26 flu season in Canada. The global biopharma company develops cancer medicines, vaccines, and specialty medicines for various conditions, including respiratory and inflammatory diseases. Its vaccine portfolio includes over 20 vaccines that protect against meningitis, shingles, and flu.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has started shipping doses of its trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine, Fluviral, to Canadian provinces in preparation for the 2025-26 flu season. The vaccine is produced at GSK's manufacturing facility in Ste-Foy, Quebec, which has been supplying influenza vaccines to Canadians since 1997. This year's vaccine includes strains recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Northern Hemisphere, including an A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus, and a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus [1].

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a significant health concern in Canada, causing over 12,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths annually. According to Health Canada, annual vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious outcomes. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends yearly vaccination for anyone aged six months or older who does not have contraindications, ideally before flu season starts [1].

GSK's Fluviral is a trivalent, split-virion influenza vaccine designed for use in adults and children greater than 6 months of age. It provides active immunization against influenza virus types A and B contained in the vaccine. The vaccine is produced using egg-based technology and has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials [1].

The flu can be more serious for certain populations, including Indigenous Peoples, children younger than six, adults 65 years and older, people living in congregate care settings, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease [1].

GSK's commitment to public health is evident in its production of influenza vaccines, which are crucial for protecting vulnerable populations. The company's vaccine portfolio includes over 20 vaccines that protect against various diseases, including meningitis, shingles, and flu.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gsk-begins-shipping-influenza-vaccine-105000162.html