Ahead of the Bell: Flu Vaccine Makers

Flu vaccine makers could receive a boost Monday if New Jersey becomes the first state to make flu inoculations mandatory for children entering preschool.

The New Jersey Public Health Council is expected to vote Monday on a proposal to require annual flu shots and three other vaccines. The new requirements have already been approved by the state health department and Gov. Jon S. Corzine, but the measure has come up against opposition from parents who want the choice to opt out of the requirement because of safety concerns.

Roche Holding AG and Foster, Calif.-based Gilead Sciences Inc. make Tamiflu, one of the most popular vaccines worldwide.

Other companies in the field include U.K.-based GlaxoSmithKline which is now contending with British rival AstraZeneca PLC after that company bought Medimmune in June. Medimmune makes the nasal spray flu vaccine FluMist.

Other competitors in the flu vaccine business include Paris-based Sanofi-Aventis and Switzerland-based Novartis AG.