Content about Influenza vaccine

July 15, 2011

The World Health Organization on Thursday announced 11 new manufacturers of the seasonal flu vaccine, a development that is expected to double the number of influenza doses to 1.7 billion worldwide by 2015, according to published reports.

GENEVA — The World Health Organization on Thursday announced 11 new manufacturers of the seasonal flu vaccine, a development that is expected to double the number of influenza doses to 1.7 billion worldwide by 2015, according to published reports. 

In all, there now are 37 approved vaccine manufacturers that potentially could triple their annual production to make as much as 5.4 billion pandemic vaccinations in the event of another H1N1-type outbreak. 

June 17, 2011

Many adults across the United States opted to visit their local drug store or supermarket to receive their flu shot during the 2010-2011 influenza season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report."

ATLANTA — Many adults across the United States opted to visit their local drug store or supermarket to receive their flu shot during the 2010-2011 influenza season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report."

June 3, 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the Food and Drug Administration has recommended that the flu vaccine for the 2011-2012 season protect against the same strains as it did this year.

WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the Food and Drug Administration has recommended that the flu vaccine for the 2011-2012 season protect against the same strains as it did this year.

The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee recommended that the vaccine will protect those immunized against H1N1, H3N2 and a type of influenza-B virus, the same formulation as this past season's vaccine.

May 20, 2011

The Louisiana State Senate has given the green light to legislation that would expand pharmacy's ability to administer immunizations, and now the House of Representatives is slated to vote on the legislation in the coming days. The passage of SB 60 is important because expanding the pharmacist's ability to administer vaccinations is a relatively low-cost way to expand access and ultimately improve outcomes.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The Louisiana State Senate has given the green light to legislation that would expand pharmacy's ability to administer immunizations, and now the House of Representatives is slated to vote on the legislation in the coming days. The passage of SB 60 is important because expanding the pharmacist's ability to administer vaccinations is a relatively low-cost way to expand access and ultimately improve outcomes.

May 10, 2011

Sanofi’s vaccines division has won Food and Drug Administration approval for a vaccine designed for injection into the skin, the company said Tuesday.

SWIFTWATER, Pa. — Sanofi’s vaccines division has won Food and Drug Administration approval for a vaccine designed for injection into the skin, the company said Tuesday.

Sanofi Pasteur announced the FDA approval of Fluzone Intradermal (influenza virus vaccine), which injects the vaccine into the skin via a short, fine needle, also known as a microinjection.

April 25, 2011

Bartell Drugs, a family-owned regional chain since 1890, has still got it. The chain has brought together health and personal care by sponsoring health and beauty events, the first of which happened in October 2010 and featured health screenings, cosmetic demonstrations and hairstyling tips. Another event is scheduled for the fall.


April 21, 2011

Companies that make vaccines, drugs and diagnostic tests for influenza will become key stakeholders in the World Health Organization’s Global Influenza Surveillance Network under an agreement reached at the Open Ended Working Group that WHO coordinated to support global preparedness for a future influenza pandemic.

LONDON — Companies that make vaccines, drugs and diagnostic tests for influenza will become key stakeholders in the World Health Organization’s Global Influenza Surveillance Network under an agreement reached at the Open Ended Working Group that WHO coordinated to support global preparedness for a future influenza pandemic.

April 21, 2011

An Ohio Department of Health study released Wednesday estimated that Ohio’s H1N1 vaccination efforts prevented 64 deaths, 1,400 hospitalizations and 310,402 cases of influenza during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. The study also estimated that Ohio’s vaccination efforts saved the state $8.4 million in H1N1-related hospitalization costs.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio Department of Health study released Wednesday estimated that Ohio’s H1N1 vaccination efforts prevented 64 deaths, 1,400 hospitalizations and 310,402 cases of influenza during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. The study also estimated that Ohio’s vaccination efforts saved the state $8.4 million in H1N1-related hospitalization costs.

March 4, 2011

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Delays or limits in the supply of flu vaccines can exacerbate disparities in vaccination rates among elderly whites, African-Americans and Hispanics, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

March 4, 2011

With pharmacists across the country now able to administer vaccinations, the Department of Health and Human Services’ plan came at just the right time.

March 3, 2011

Walgreens on Thursday posted sales growth of 8.7% to $18.5 billion for its second quarter ended Feb. 28.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Thursday posted sales growth of 8.7% to $18.5 billion for its second quarter ended Feb. 28.

Comparable-store sales were up 4%, with a 4% increase across front-end same-store sales. Prescriptions filled grew by 4.5%; quarterly same-store pharmacy sales were not provided.

March 1, 2011

Walgreens said its pharmacies are prepared to compound Tamiflu capsules into liquid form as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported widespread flu activity in the United States.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens said its pharmacies are prepared to compound Tamiflu capsules into liquid form after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported widespread flu activity in the United States.

The drug store chain said it is addressing the demand for liquid Tamiflu for children, which has resulted in a shortage of the flu-fighting drug.

February 25, 2011

Kroger is highlighting immunization against the flu this season on the company's website.

CINCINNATI — Kroger is highlighting immunization against the flu this season on the company's website.

February 22, 2011

Kmart on Monday implemented a discounted offer on flu shots to those who have not yet been vaccinated.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart on Monday implemented a discounted offer on flu shots to those who have not yet been vaccinated.

Kmart said it is offering customers $15 flu shots, while supplies last, and also will offer 15,000 points (a $15 value) to members of its Shop Your Way Rewards loyalty program, when a vaccination is purchased.

The flu shots are available at more than 500 Kmart Pharmacy locations and are administered by trained practitioners.

February 16, 2011

Baxter International on Tuesday announced results of a study published in this week's issue of The Lancet that demonstrated effectiveness and tolerability of the company’s Preflucel in protecting against seasonal influenza.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Baxter International on Tuesday announced results of a study published in this week's issue of The Lancet that demonstrated effectiveness and tolerability of the company’s Preflucel in protecting against seasonal influenza.

February 16, 2011

The Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday unveiled a new National Vaccine Plan to enhance coordination of all aspects of federal vaccine and immunization activities with the goal to ensure that all Americans can gain access to vaccines.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday unveiled a new National Vaccine Plan to enhance coordination of all aspects of federal vaccine and immunization activities with the goal to ensure that all Americans can gain access to vaccines.

“Vaccines are a critical cornerstone of the public health system,” stated Howard Koh, assistant secretary for health for HHS. “The National Vaccine Plan articulates a vision that will ensure that the nation’s prevention strategies protect the public for the next decade and beyond.”

February 11, 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measured a steady rise in influenza — both in number of cases and severity — for the week ended Feb. 5.

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measured a steady rise in influenza — both in number of cases and severity — for the week ended Feb. 5.

There are 19 states that now are experiencing high levels of influenza-like illnesses as measured by outpatient visits — a measuring stick that provides a sense as to how severe the flu might be in a community but not how prevalent it is. The proportion of outpatient visits for ILI was 4.6%, which is above the national baseline of 2.5%.

February 11, 2011

Harris Teeter on Friday announced an incentive to its VIC loyalty card customers to receive their seasonal flu shots this season.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Harris Teeter on Friday announced an incentive to its VIC loyalty card customers to receive their seasonal flu shots this season.

Now through the end of May, customers who purchase a seasonal flu shot for only $12.95 with their VIC card will receive an electronic coupon for $12.95, valid on their next grocery purchase of that value or more.

Select Harris Teeter pharmacies are offering these seasonal flu shots right now, the Carolina grocer stated.

January 31, 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday updated the nation’s influenza status.

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday updated the nation’s influenza status. Nine states are reporting high influenza-like activity (a metric that captures the severity of a flu outbreak) and 25 states are reporting widespread activity (a metric that captures the estimated level of spread of influenza activity through state and territorial epidemiologists reports.)

January 27, 2011

Seniors of Hispanic descent are far less likely to become immunized against the flu or pneumonia, compared with white seniors, according to a new RAND study released earlier this week.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Seniors of Hispanic descent are far less likely to become immunized against the flu or pneumonia, compared with white seniors, according to a new RAND study released earlier this week.

Researchers found that Hispanic seniors who prefer speaking Spanish and live in such linguistically isolated communities as the Southeast are least likely to be immunized.

January 24, 2011

Influenza activity in the United States decreased across several indicators, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday, though the agency projected that illness rates for the season have not yet peaked.

ATLANTA — Influenza activity in the United States decreased across several indicators, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday, though the agency projected that illness rates for the season have not yet peaked.

Of all influenza A viruses tested since Oct. 30, 2010, only 15.8% were identified as the 2009 H1N1 virus; 44.6% of the specimens were identified as an H3N2 virus. That virus is similar to the H3N2 component of the 2010-2011 triumvirate influenza vaccine.

January 18, 2011

Addressing the need for patients to follow good health practices during cough-cold-flu season, the American Pharmacists Association is encouraging consumers to consult with their local pharmacist on ways to maintain their well-being.

WASHINGTON — Addressing the need for patients to follow good health practices during cough-cold-flu season, the American Pharmacists Association is encouraging consumers to consult with their local pharmacist on ways to maintain well-being.

APhA said that a pharmacist can help patients with such things as:

  • Getting a flu shot — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend all persons ages 6 months or older receive a flu vaccine. The vaccine is available throughout the flu season, or as long as supply lasts;

January 11, 2011

Despite an increase in flu activity, a recent CVS/pharmacy survey showed that 56% of respondents still had not received their flu shot, although 93% were aware that there already have been reported cases of the flu this season, the pharmacy retailer stated.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Despite an increase in flu activity, a recent CVS/pharmacy survey showed that 56% of respondents still had not received their flu shot, although 93% were aware that there already have been reported cases of the flu this season, the pharmacy retailer stated.

Flu activity steadily is increasing in the United States, with eight states now having reported widespread outbreaks of influenza cases, according CVS/pharmacy, which cited the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

January 7, 2011

In 2011, refusing to inoculate children against dangerous illnesses like measles, whooping cough and even the flu, borders on child abuse. This story should go a long way toward keeping a lot of kids healthy by educating their misguided parents—good news for retail pharmacy, which continues to expand its presence as the local community destination for common vaccinations.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — In 2011, refusing to inoculate children against dangerous illnesses like measles, whooping cough and even the flu, borders on child abuse. This story should go a long way toward keeping a lot of kids healthy by educating their misguided parents—good news for retail pharmacy, which continues to expand its presence as the local community destination for common vaccinations.

January 3, 2011

Credit Suisse analysts on Monday projected strong front-end sales and improved pharmacy comparisons for December.

NEW YORK — Credit Suisse analysts on Monday projected strong front-end sales and improved pharmacy comparisons for December.

“Industry front-end sales growth will accelerate in December on easier comparisons and increased promotional activity,” Credit Suisse research analyst Edward Kelly noted. “Sales last year were negatively impacted by low levels of seasonal inventory (especially at Walgreens) and unusually soft flu activity after an early start to the season,” he added.