Vaccine network saved

A pharmaceutical giant is stepping in to fund a federal government program aimed at curbing flu infections.

Glaxosmithkline is pledging $12 million to support and expand the Serious Outcomes Surveillance Network when its funding runs dry next month.

“The money allows us to beef up the infrastructure we’ve built up over the last three years,” said project leader Dr. Shelly Mcneil.

She leads a group of researchers who monitor the use and effectiveness of flu vaccines in hospitals across Canada.