Russia opts for Sanofi polio vaccine
12 Nov 2008
Russia has chosen a Sanofi Pasteur polio vaccine for a national childhood immunisation programme.
The company said four million doses of IPV Imovax Polio have so far been delivered since the country commenced its Project Health scheme in the summer.
Sanofi stated that its inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is becoming the international standard as it is being chosen for immunisation programmes by an increasing number of countries.
Dr Vladimir Tatochenko, professor of paediatrics at the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, said: "Every year in Russia, over 1.3 million children will be vaccinated with IPV and will benefit from its enhanced safety profile."
He added that IPV can be conveniently administered along with a diptheria, tetanus and pertussis during the same paediatrician visit.
Sanofi Pasteur recently stated it is to release a childhood Hib vaccine in Japan before the end of the year, to make it the first international vaccines firm to enter the paediatric immunisation market in the Asian country.
According to the company, World Health Organisation estimates suggest Hib is responsible for three million serious illnesses and around 400,000 deaths a year worldwide.
