ethical flu vaccine

Children of God for Life announced today that a new flu vaccine, Flucelvax produced by Novartis uses a morally produced mammal-based cell line rather than chick embryo. 
 
“We are extremely pleased to see Novartis advance in the market over those such as Sanofi Pasteur who are developing influenza vaccines using aborted fetal cell lines,” said Children of God for Life Executive Director Debi Vinnedge. 

Novartis, along with several pharmaceutical companies had taken license in early 2001 to aborted fetal cell line PER C6 and there was public concern that this cell line would replace the current and slower techonology of using chick embryo to produce influenza and H1N1 vaccines.

But Novartis changed direction and unlike some of its competitors chose the option of using a tested and safe mammal cell line that would not infringe on moral concerns. Vinnedge says she is thrilled they are the first to bring the new technology to market.

Tim worked with Debi Vinnedge while writing an article on the current moral debate over vaccine production published in Angelus Magazine (Feb 2006) This issue of manufacturing vaccines using stem cell lines derived from aborted human embryos is one that affects every Catholic parent. Currently the MMR, Hep A, and chickenpox vaccines versions made in a immoral manner are only available in the US. Hopefully Novartis will see great economic success with its new Flucelvax vaccine and expand to create moral alternatives for the above problematic immunizations.