Chiron to Make 20% More Flu Vaccine Doses

Chiron Corp. of Emeryville, Calif., said it was on track to supply 48 million doses of flu vaccine this year to the U.S. market. That would be an increase of 20% over the last flu season, which was marked by shortages.

Aventis Pasteur Inc., the only other company that markets flu shots in the U.S., said it planned to produce 48 million to 50 million doses, an increase of 16% over the 2003-04 season.

The companies are counting on worries that arose during last year’s shortage to boost demand for flu vaccine, which has never exceeded 80 million doses in the U.S. Together, the companies plan to provide nearly 100 million doses this year. Flu vaccine was an important sales driver for Chiron in 2003, accounting for 19% of its $1.8 billion in revenue.