ATLANTA (AP)- Federal health officials say companies making the
flu vaccine expect to make a record number of doses for next flu
season. Today's announcement by Atlanta based Centers for Disease
Control comes amid concerns that demand may drop because this
year's vaccine was largely ineffective.

The five companies plan to make at least 143 million doses for the 2008-2009 season. They made 140 million doses for the current season the worst in four years for adult deaths from flu and pneumonia.

The vaccines could be delivered by the end of September.

Flu shots are recommended for children ages six months to 23 months, pregnant women, people 65 and older, and people of all ages with chronic health conditions.

Public health leaders are expected to discuss the 2008-2009 flu season next week at a national influenza vaccine summit meeting in
Atlanta.