Roche assures flu vaccines will be in stock for season

NUTLEY, N.J. Ample supplies of the flu drug Tamiflu will be available throughout the country during the flu season, manufacturer Roche said Tuesday.

The vaccine, known generically as oseltamivir phosphate, is approved for treating and preventing influenza in adults and children aged 1 and older.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers it an important second line of defense against the flu.

“We understand that pharmacists do their best to stock appropriate amounts of antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, for use during the flu season,” Roche medical director Dominick Iacuzio said. “However, the incidence and severity of seasonal flu remains unpredictable from year to year, and some pharmacies may still be faced with greater-than-expected demand during the season.”