Ottawa’s Federal Government is in view of getting a support provider to make endemic influenza vaccines, which earlier were imported from Canada.

In a year’s time period, GlaxoSmithKline's 10-year contract to produce all of the country's endemic vaccine is going to expire, so Ottawa is reviewing its options of seeking a provider from within the region.

A second source will also be considered to get a regular supply of the vaccine for which a few additional companies would be considered for the contribution.

During H1N1 epidemic, GlaxoSmithKline’s deficit production of vaccines became a questionable issue during the early weeks of inoculation campaign.

Before starting the production of H1N1 vaccine, GlaxoSmithKline had to complete the production of seasonal flu vaccine. With one production line GlaxoSmithKline was incapable of producing enough of the influenza vaccines in time.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. David Butler-Jones said that vaccine companies will have the opportunity to individually meet with members of a joint federal-and-provincial task group and show their interest in the contracts which would be available to them.

The companies would also be invited for a meeting taking place in Ottawa at the end of the month, organized by Industry Consultation Forum, to discuss the nation’s vaccination strategy.