For the fourth consecutive year, Glaxo Smith Klein says there will be 'short delays' in the delivery of flu vaccine for 2007/8. The current delay is due to slower-than-anticipated growth of the Solomon (H1N1) flu strain.
While a slowdown in production and resulting shortage of vaccine was initially to be limited to Europe, in the view of some who watch these matters U.S. shipments could be delayed, as well.

“We won’t be affected,” said Vaccination Services of America President and founder, Alan Kohll. “Each year, we order vaccine early and in large quantities. This does two things for us and our corporate customers. First, it puts us at the head of the line. For several years, VSA has taken delivery of the first large-volume shipment of vaccine to reach our shores. Second, we’re assured of a quantity sufficient to meet the increasing demands of our corporate customers, all of whom want their workforces vaccinated.

“There’s actually a third, hidden benefit,” noted Kohll. “Last year, we had a large enough supply that we were able to help out other providers that hadn’t received all the vaccine they needed. We expect to be able to do the same this flu season.”