U.S. health officials said the country is expected to have a record 132 million flu-vaccine doses ready for the 2007-2008 flu season, according to U.S. media reports Friday. (File Photo)

    BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. health officials said the country is expected to have a record 132 million flu-vaccine doses ready for the 2007-2008 flu season, according to U.S. media reports Friday.

    The officals also said that even more doses could be available if a fifth company joins the flu vaccine manufacturers' ranks.

    U.S. government health officials have been expanding their flu shot recommendations to cover more age groups.

    Presently, more than 200 million Americans should get vaccinated each year, according to the health officials. However, setbacks, including vaccine delays and shortages, in recent years have left doctors and patients soured and confused.     

    "To protect people, we need more vaccine," said Dr. Jeanne Santoli, deputy director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's immunization services division.

    According to official figures, it is estimated there are 36,000 Americans killed by influenza each year, with another 200,000 being hospitalized.

    The flu vaccine manufacturer CSL Biotherapies, an Australian company, has asked for an expedited approval from the Food and Drug Administration, which would be needed to reach the vaccine market in time for the upcoming season, said Paul Perreault, CSL's executive vice president for worldwide commercial operations.

    If approved, CSL would join four other companies providing flu vaccine in the U.S.

    In the U.S., nearly 121 million doses were produced for the 2006-2007 flu season, but many went unused. More than 18 million doses probably will be destroyed after their June 30 expiration, health officials said.

    (Agencies)