Delayed availability of Influenza Vaccine for the 2006-07 Season - Statement - Public Health Agency of Canada

I have not heard any of the major media sources (newspapers, television news) report this information yet. I think that's a bit unusual as this can be played up as a huge story even though it's probably not that big a deal. When they eventually notice, I'm sure we will see the usual inferences to a potential pandemic, which always seems to catch attention.

From Health Canada:
Flu vaccine manufacturers have reported problems growing one of the strains recommended for this season’s flu shot. As a result, the vaccine should be available to the provinces and territories at the end of October or beginning of November.

This is about a month later than usual in some jurisdictions and means that the timeframe for the delivery of public programs will be compressed. People, however, should be able to receive the vaccine before the peak of the flu season, which typically does not occur until mid-December or later. ...more