Content about Microbiology

November 30, 2011
Walgreens and HHS dispense more than $10 million in flu shots to uninsured

Walgreens on Wednesday announced it is offering more than $10 million worth of free flu shot vouchers to Americans without health insurance coverage.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday announced it is offering more than $10 million worth of free flu shot vouchers to Americans without health insurance coverage. The Department of Health and Human Services is assisting in the distribution of the vouchers in markets across the country.

November 21, 2011
Study: Hand sanitizer use in schools reduces flu illness, absenteeism

A hand and respiratory hygiene program including frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer helped reduce illness caused by influenza A, and reduced the number of missed school days in elementary school children, according to a study in the November issue of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.

PHILADELPHIA — A hand and respiratory hygiene program including frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer helped reduce illness caused by influenza A, and reduced the number of missed school days in elementary school children, according to a study in the November issue of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.

November 18, 2011
Citi: Flu season to peak later in 2012 than it did last year

Citi Investment Research & Analysis is projecting that the peak of flu season may occur beyond last season's peak of January/February, a factor that may place a negative drag on retail same-store sales results over first quarter 2012.

NEW YORK — Citi Investment Research & Analysis is projecting that the peak of flu season may occur beyond last season's peak of January/February, a factor that may place a negative drag on retail same-store sales results over first quarter 2012.

November 10, 2011
Walgreens fields 500-plus HIV Centers of Excellence pharmacies

Walgreens now has certified more than 500 of its pharmacies as HIV Centers of Excellence in communities highly impacted by HIV, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the pharmacy operator announced Thursday at the U.S. Conference on AIDS.

CHICAGO — Walgreens now has certified more than 500 of its pharmacies as HIV Centers of Excellence in communities highly impacted by HIV, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the pharmacy operator announced Thursday at the U.S. Conference on AIDS.

November 9, 2011
Interclick flu survey: 42% of Americans to seek flu shot

According to the most recent consumer snapshot survey by Interclick, 42% of Americans are planning to be immunized this year.

NEW YORK — According to the most recent consumer snapshot survey by Interclick, 42% of Americans are planning to be immunized this year.

The survey, released Wednesday, explores consumer behaviors ahead of flu season, including sentiment on the shots, preferred treatment brands and where they go for the latest news on the flu.

November 7, 2011
MinuteClinic prepares for new meningitis vaccine mandate in Texas

CVS Caremark’s MinuteClinic has prepared all of its Texas-based clinics for an increased demand for the meningococcal vaccine for bacterial meningitis following a bill signed into law last May, whereby Texas will become the first state in the country to require that all college students receive one dose or booster of the meningococcal vaccine for bacterial meningitis.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark’s MinuteClinic has prepared all of its Texas-based clinics for an increased demand for the meningococcal vaccine for bacterial meningitis following a bill signed into law last May, whereby Texas will become the first state in the country to require that all college students receive one dose or booster of the meningococcal vaccine for bacterial meningitis. The requirement goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2012.

November 7, 2011
Walgreens joins Magic Johnson Foundation on Point Forward Day

The Magic Johnson Foundation on Monday initiated Point Forward Day, marking 20 years to the date that Johnson announced his HIV status and subsequent retirement from the National Basketball Association.

LOS ANGELES — The Magic Johnson Foundation on Monday initiated Point Forward Day, marking 20 years to the date that Johnson announced his HIV status and subsequent retirement from the National Basketball Association.

In partnership with AIDS Healthcare Foundation, MJF will host free confidential testing events at retailers, including Walgreens in Chicago.  At select locations, testing will include participation from government officials, dignitaries and athletes who will lead their communities by getting tested first at on site mobile units.

November 4, 2011
Got Dairyface?

Skin care is hot, but Dairyface is cool — so cool that it lives in the fridge. Dairyface is a new line of yogurt-based products that incorporate the nutritional benefits of milk to nourish skin cells.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Skin care is hot, but Dairyface is cool — so cool that it lives in the fridge. Dairyface is a new line of yogurt-based products that incorporate the nutritional benefits of milk to nourish skin cells. It remains fresh in the refrigerator through a clearly indicated expiration date and is full of prebiotics and probiotics for the skin. The Dairyface collection includes five facial refreshers that are designed to be applied like a topical mask treatment. Each package contains two single-serving treatments for the suggested retail price of $19.95.

November 4, 2011
Seniors tend to ‘get the point’

I know this older guy at my gym — I call him “The Professor,” mostly because he used to teach journalism, but also because it’s more fun to say and easier to remember than his actual name.

I know this older guy at my gym — I call him “The Professor,” mostly because he used to teach journalism, but also because it’s more fun to say and easier to remember than his actual name. He’s 85 now, and he says if he doesn’t get to the club to swim laps and sit in the steam room at least three times a week, he feels like he’s doing something wrong. He says he feels the same way about flu shots and all vaccinations for that matter.


October 31, 2011
NYC mayor Bloomberg, health commissioner Farley highlight importance of flu preparedness

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and health commissioner Thomas Farley received their seasonal flu vaccine on Saturday at a Duane Reade pharmacy in the Bronx, demonstrating the importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

NEW YORK — New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and health commissioner Thomas Farley received their seasonal flu vaccine on Saturday at a Duane Reade pharmacy in the Bronx, demonstrating the importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Every year, New Yorkers lose their lives to the flu, and a flu shot is the single most important protection against getting sick and spreading the flu to others,” Bloomberg said. “I urge everyone to go to their doctor, local health clinic or pharmacy and get a flu shot as soon as they can.”

October 27, 2011
Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences to develop, commercialize HIV combo treatment

Drug makers Bristol-Myers Squibb and Gilead Sciences announced an agreement to develop and commercialize a fixed-dose combination treatment for patients with HIV.

FOSTER CITY, Calif. — Drug makers Bristol-Myers Squibb and Gilead Sciences announced an agreement to develop and commercialize a fixed-dose combination treatment for patients with HIV.

The two companies said the drug will combine Bristol's Reyataz (atazanavir sulfate) and Gilead's boosting agent cobicistat, which is designed to increase blood levels of certain HIV medicines to potentially allow for one-pill, once-daily dosing. Gilead is currently studying Reyataz and cobicistat in phase-2 and phase-3 trials.

October 27, 2011
Dynavax releases results of hepatitis B vaccine phase-3 trial

An experimental vaccine for hepatitis B made by Dynavax Technologies appears to work better in patients with diabetes than current treatments, the company said.

BERKELEY, Calif. — An experimental vaccine for hepatitis B made by Dynavax Technologies appears to work better in patients with diabetes than current treatments, the company said.

October 26, 2011
California Pharmacists Association partners with PrescribeWellness to promote flu shots

The California Pharmacists Association and PrescribeWellness have launched a partnership designed to boost flu vaccination rates, the CPhA said Wednesday.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Pharmacists Association and PrescribeWellness have launched a partnership designed to boost flu vaccination rates, the CPhA said Wednesday.

The "One Million More" flu shot campaign aims to increase the year-over-year influenza vaccination rate by 1 million immunizations by donating communication materials to flu shot administrators so that they can educate patients about the importance and ease of getting a flu shot.

October 26, 2011
Winn-Dixie announces intradermal flu vaccine availability at pharmacies

Winn-Dixie has expanded its flu shot options by offering the Fluzone Intradermal vaccination at its in-store pharmacies.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie has expanded its flu shot options by offering the Fluzone Intradermal vaccination at its in-store pharmacies.

October 25, 2011
CDC panel recommends HPV vaccination for boys

An advisory committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that all boys ages 11 and 12 years old get vaccinated against human papillomavirus, the CDC said Tuesday.

ATLANTA — An advisory committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that all boys ages 11 and 12 years old get vaccinated against human papillomavirus, the CDC said Tuesday.

The agency said the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted for recommending routine vaccination of boys with three doses of HPV4 to protect against the virus. The vaccination is able to prevent such HPV-related conditions as cancer and prevent the spread of the virus to sexual partners. The recommendation is still subject to the CDC's approval, the agency said.

October 24, 2011
FDA to healthcare professionals: Stop administering flu shots via jet injectors

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued guidance regarding the use of injector devices to administer flu vaccines to patients.

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued guidance regarding the use of injector devices to administer flu vaccines to patients.

The FDA said that healthcare professionals should not use such clinical devices to administer flu vaccines, adding that all vaccines, including influenza, "be administered in accordance with their labeling."

October 21, 2011
Measles cases highest in 15 years, at 212 and counting

This year’s jump in measles in the United States and Canada was costly and occurred among unvaccinated children and adults, suggested several studies being presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America here Thursday.

BOSTON — This year’s jump in measles in the United States and Canada was costly and occurred among unvaccinated children and adults, suggested several studies being presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America here Thursday.

October 21, 2011
Study: Fluzone High-Dose works well in senior population

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, released data from a new study examining the ability of its Fluzone High-Dose vaccine to provoke an immune response in elderly and younger adults, compared with a standard dose of Fluzone vaccine.

SWIFTWATER, Pa. — Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, released data from a new study examining the ability of its Fluzone High-Dose vaccine to provoke an immune response in elderly and younger adults, compared with a standard dose of Fluzone vaccine.

"The results further support the immunogenicity advantages of Fluzone High-Dose vaccine as compared to Fluzone vaccine, the standard dose comparator, in seniors 65 years of age and older," stated Peter Tsang, director clinical development, Sanofi Pasteur.

October 20, 2011
Insight Pharmaceuticals voluntarily recalls one lot of Nostrilla

Insight Pharmaceuticals is voluntarily recalling one lot of a nasal decongestant due to the possibility of bacterial contamination, the company said.

LANGHORNE, Pa. — Insight Pharmaceuticals is voluntarily recalling one lot of a nasal decongestant due to the possibility of bacterial contamination, the company said.

Insight said it would recall lot number 11G075, UPC code 6373673005, of Nostrilla nasal spray to the consumer level because of possible contamination with Burkholderia cepacia bacteria. The lot, which contains 34,092 bottles, was distributed nationwide to retail outlets.

October 20, 2011
Loyola U to parents: Protect your preschoolers with the flu vaccine

On average, 20,000 children under the age of 5 years are hospitalized due to flu symptoms each year, the Loyola University Health System announced Thursday in a press release encouraging parents to have their children inoculated.

MAYWOOD, Ill. — On average, 20,000 children under the age of 5 years are hospitalized due to flu symptoms each year, the Loyola University Health System announced Thursday in a press release encouraging parents to have their children inoculated.

October 19, 2011
New dairy-based skin care line that lives in the fridge to hit retail

A new skin care line, aptly named Dairyface, is a line of yogurt-based products that incorporate the nutritional benefits of milk to nourish skin’s cells.

NEW YORK — A new skin care line, aptly named Dairyface, is a line of yogurt-based products that incorporate the nutritional benefits of milk to nourish skin’s cells.

Dairyface, which remains fresh in the refrigerator through a clearly-indicated expiration date, is full of prebiotics and probiotics specifically formulated for topical use on the skin. The products are free of preservatives, additives, synthetics or anything artificial.

October 19, 2011
Pfizer push may spur growth

Pfizer recently launched a line of single-ingredient supplements under a new ProNutrients brand that includes Omega-3, Probiotic and Fruit & Veggie.

Pfizer recently launched a line of single-ingredient supplements under a new ProNutrients brand that includes Omega-3, Probiotic and Fruit & Veggie. Considering that fish oils and probiotic supplements are already up 8% and 34.3%, respectively, according to SPINSscan Conventional, powered by Nielsen, for the 12 weeks ended Sept. 3 across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), a marketing push from one of the larger multivitamin suppliers may spur additional growth.


October 17, 2011
In latest report, CDC says flu incidence is low

Flu activity in the United States for the 2011-2012 season currently is low, making it an ideal time for Americans to get vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

WASHINGTON — Flu activity in the United States for the 2011-2012 season currently is low, making it an ideal time for Americans to get vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

October 17, 2011
Whole Foods helps customers combat cold, flu season

Whole Foods is focusing on immune support by offering educational podcasts, in-store lectures, a brochure and a "seasonal wellness shopping list" to customers this fall.

AUSTIN — Whole Foods is focusing on immune support by offering educational podcasts, in-store lectures, a brochure and a "seasonal wellness shopping list" to customers this fall.

Whole Foods said that the promotion, which is being held during the months of October and November, is part of the Be Good to Your Whole Body campaign.

October 11, 2011
Child vaccinations up despite fears

At the beginning of the year, a major global controversy was settled when it turned out that a study published in The Lancet in 1998 linking the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine to autism in children turned out to be a whopper of a fraud.


At the beginning of the year, a major global controversy was settled when it turned out that a study published in The Lancet in 1998 linking the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine to autism in children turned out to be a whopper of a fraud.


But despite the exposure of the study’s author — and outbreaks of preventable diseases among children in the United States and Europe, thanks to parents who opted to have their kids vaccinated — it appears that sowing fear of childhood vaccines still appears to have some currency.