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July 23, 2001

 

 

“Price Hike for Travel Vaccines Shocking”

Toronto Star (www.thestar.com) (07/21/01) P. L8; Hall, Gerry

The price of vaccines may rise as much as 250 percent effective June 1, according to Aventis, the drug giant that took over Canada’s Connaught Laboratories two years ago.  The new French ownership has no intention of lowering the cost of vaccines against yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and meningococcal meningitis, despite the protests of health officials and physicians.  Particularly incensed by the pricing hike is Assunta Margolongo, director of the nonprofit Canadian-based International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT).  IAMAT supplies immunization charts giving travelers advice on vaccination precautions, and Margolongo contends that the pricing might deter the casual traveler from getting necessary shots.  Aventis told Canadian clinics that the price hike was needed to continue vaccine distribution across the country and to remain profitable in the small Canadian market.

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