Flu vaccines for Fiji

Seqirus, a subsidiary of CSL (ASX:CSL), this week announced the donation of 20,000 doses of seasonal influenza vaccine to the people of Fiji in order to help alleviate a spike in cases of severe influenza.

The donation came after the Fijian Ministry of Health reported a notable increase in hospitalisations due to seasonal influenza, as well as the number of pregnant women testing positive for influenza virus H1N1 and consequently suffering severe acute respiratory illness (SARI). Through a request facilitated by the WHO’s Emerging Diseases Surveillance and Response Unit in Fiji, CSL provided an immediate donation of influenza vaccine manufactured at its facility in Melbourne.

“We are pleased to be able to rapidly respond to the Fijian government’s request for support,” said Dr Jane Leong, Seqirus head of medical affairs, Asia Pacific. “This is part of our longstanding promise to deliver important medicines and protect the health of people around the world.

“We know that influenza vaccination is one of the most important ways to prevent the burden of this disease each year and are happy to provide assistance where possible to countries such as Fiji where these vaccines are not readily available.”

Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Health & Medical Services, Dr Meciusela Tuicakau, said that the Fijian Health Ministry is grateful for the timely donation of influenza vaccines. He noted that the complications of flu are particularly high for vulnerable groups such as “children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with non-communicable or other chronic diseases … and the influenza vaccine will assist with reducing the risk of complications”.

CSL (ASX:CSL) shares closed 0.13% higher at $117.26 on Monday, the day of the announcement. They had dipped to $116.99 as of around 12 noon on Wednesday.

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