Content about Influenza vaccine

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. More than 690,000 Americans already have received this season’s flu vaccine from their doctors, according to SDI’s VaccineTrack data through Sept. 4.

VaccineTrack provides syndicated weekly vaccine usage by physicians based on medical office electronic healthcare reimbursement claims data.

LOS ANGELES A Kroger-owned grocery chain now is offering its customers seasonal flu immunizations.

Ralphs said Monday that flu vaccines will be administered by Ralphs Pharmacies' own certified immunizing pharmacists. Ralphs will offer $25 vaccines in 91 in-store pharmacies throughout Southern California.

MINNEAPOLIS Gearing up for flu season, Target will launch its nationwide flu vaccination program at its more than 1,600 pharmacies and Target Clinic locations beginning Sept. 1.

Target pharmacists and clinicians will administer the flu shots, at a cost of $24, during regular pharmacy and in-store clinic hours, including weekday evenings and weekends. Target Clinic locations also will offer the nasal spray for $36.

NEW YORK The global market for vaccines grew to more than $20 billion last year, according to a report by healthcare market research firm Kalorama Information.

The New York-based firm’s report, “Vaccines 2010: World Market Analysis, Key Players and Critical Trends in a Fast-Changing Industry,” indicated that the world market for preventative vaccines was $22.1 billion in 2009, compared with $19 billion in 2008.

NEW YORK The World Health Organization's director-general Margaret Chan issued a statement on Tuesday that the H1N1 influenza has entered the post-pandemic period, but warned that the virus has not yet gone away.

While WHO has reported marginal levels of H1N1 transmission worldwide as of late, Chan said it expects the H1N1 virus to take on the behavior of a seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for some years to come.