Given the huge impact that having a baby has on every aspect of a woman's life--and that of her mate--it's small wonder that a growing number of companies are aiming to offer Baby Boomers improved contraceptive choices. Some are developing devices to make the widely performed tubal ligation surgery, which renders women sterile, less invasive, more convenient and safer than it has been to date. At least one firm hopes to give men a chance to participate in family planning via reversible vasectomization.

Azar says ACIP’s prioritization recommendations should carry weight, but states will be final arbiter of who is vaccinated.

Sanofi R&D head John Reed says the company has kept 95% of patients on its nearly 400 clinical trials, started 59 studies, and benefited from its in-house drug supply management.