Update on Varilrix vaccine supply
Media release
Update on
Varilrix vaccine supply
23 May
2013: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) confirmed today that
normal supplies of the Varilrix vaccine for the
chickenpox virus will be available again within two weeks.
“Demand for the vaccine is uncharacteristically high
compared with the usual requirements for this time of year.
We believe that this has been driven mainly by recent media
coverage around the importance of parents considering
vaccinating against chickenpox. Winter is also the start of
‘chicken pox season’, so some increase is expected due
to winter approaching” says Anna Stove, General Manager of
GSK New Zealand.
“We apologise for any difficulties
that may have been caused by this interruption in supply and
are air-freighting in new stock to have the vaccine
available again as soon as possible.”
The new stock will be available within a fortnight.
Children can be vaccinated against the disease at any time from nine months of age and older.1 Parents are advised to speak with their doctor or practice nurse if they need to reschedule any chickenpox vaccinations.
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