Gov. Malloy's Flu Shot Ruffles Feathers of Meriden-based Company

Call it the flu shot heard around the world, or at least in Meriden.

Executives from Meriden-based Protein Sciences said the company is halting expansion plans in the state after Gov. Dannel Malloy decided to get a flu shot from a non-Connecticut company.

Protein Sciences manufactures the Flublok vaccine, the only influenza vaccine in the country that doesn’t use egg-based technology.

According to the CDC it doesn’t use the virus or chicken eggs in manufacturing, which makes it safe for those with allergies to eggs.

It has a shorter shelf life than other vaccines, but has the potential for faster startup of manufacturing, which could be useful during vaccine shortages or pandemic situations.

The company was in negotiations to purchase property it is currently leasing along with another piece of land nearby to increase its manufacturing potential, according to the Record-Journal.

Executive Chairman Dan Adams said to the Record-Journal that it would be too embarrassing to grow in Connecticut. Malloy’s office hasn’t responded to a request for comment. 

Malloy got his flu shot last week as other politicians including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul made comments against mandating vaccinations. The comments came during a measles outbreak.

Christie said there should be a balance between mandates and parental rights, but said his children have received all physician-recommended shots, according to the Hartford Courant.

Paul went farther and said he has heard of children having mental disorders after being vaccinated, but added that he has his vaccinations.

Read the full Record-Journal article here.

Image via Gov. Malloy Twitter account.