Content about Vaccination

November 21, 2012

FDA approves first flu vaccine manufactured by Novartis using cell culture technology

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday announced the approval of Novartis' Flucelvax, the first seasonal influenza vaccine licensed in the United States produced using cultured animal cells, instead of fertilized chicken eggs.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday announced the approval of Novartis' Flucelvax, the first seasonal influenza vaccine licensed in the United States produced using cultured animal cells, instead of fertilized chicken eggs. Flucelvax is approved to prevent seasonal influenza in people ages 18 years and older.

November 15, 2012

NACDS lauds Tricare retail pharmacy vaccination program for enabling 1 million vaccinations

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Thursday applauded the Tricare Retail Pharmacy Vaccination Program’s announcement that 1 million vaccinations have been administered in retail pharmacies for military families and veterans.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Thursday applauded the Tricare Retail Pharmacy Vaccination Program’s announcement that 1 million vaccinations have been administered in retail pharmacies for military families and veterans.

November 7, 2012

MonoSol Rx, BiondVax form partnership to develop oral-film vaccine delivery

A company developing drug-delivery technology based on films inserted into the mouth and a company developing a flu vaccine have entered a deal to combine their products.

WARREN, N.J. — A company developing drug-delivery technology based on films inserted into the mouth and a company developing a flu vaccine have entered a deal to combine their products.

MonoSol Rx on Wednesday announced that it had entered a partnership with Israel-based BiondVax to combine MonoSol's PharmFilm technology with BiondVax's universal flu vaccine, M-001, to create a way to deliver vaccines without needles. MonoSol Rx co-president and CEO A. Mark Schobel said using his company's technology for vaccinations could lead to increased acceptance of flu vaccination.

October 25, 2012

CDC recommends Tdap for pregnant women

A panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pregnant women get vaccinated for whooping cough, the CDC said.

ATLANTA — A panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pregnant women get vaccinated for whooping cough, the CDC said.

October 22, 2012

Ontario Health Minister helps kick off Ontario's flu shot campaign at Rexall Pharma Plus

Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews on Monday received her flu shot from a Rexall Pharma Plus pharmacist, kicking off the annual Ontario flu vaccination campaign.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews on Monday received her flu shot from a Rexall Pharma Plus pharmacist, kicking off the annual Ontario flu vaccination campaign.

“Getting a flu shot for Ontarians will be as easy as visiting any Rexall Pharma Plus pharmacy,” stated Frank Scorpiniti, CEO of Rexall Pharma Plus. “With over 250 locations and 700 certified pharmacists in Ontario, Rexall Pharma Plus makes it easy to receive flu shots any time, any day, no appointment needed.”

October 22, 2012

Sanofi Pasteur presents influenza vaccine trial data

Sanofi Pasteur announced Monday the presentation of three clinical trials of an experimental influenza vaccine.

SWIFTWATER, Pa. — Sanofi Pasteur announced Monday the presentation of three clinical trials of an experimental influenza vaccine.

October 18, 2012

Sanofi Pasteur seeks to expand seasonal flu protection from three influenza strains to four

Sanofi Pasteur on Thursday announced it has filed for approval of a four-strain flu shot to the Food and Drug Administration.

SWIFTWATER, Pa. — Sanofi Pasteur on Thursday announced it has filed for approval of a four-strain flu shot to the Food and Drug Administration. An action date is anticipated in the second quarter of 2013.

October 9, 2012

Immunization offerings expand past flu, shingles

While much of the focus on pharmacist-administered vaccinations has been on influenza and shingles, there also have been efforts to significantly expand the number of diseases against which customers at the local pharmacy can get protection. 

October 9, 2012

Meijer partners with PrescribeWellness in flu shot campaign

A group pushing to increase the number of people vaccinated against influenza has a deal with a Midwestern retailer to encourage vaccination in the region.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — A group pushing to increase the number of people vaccinated against influenza has a deal with a Midwestern retailer to encourage vaccination in the region.

October 9, 2012

Q&A: Campaigning  against the flu

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of French drug maker Sanofi, recently unveiled an effort to promote flu vaccinations that includes advertising and celebrity endorsements. DSN had the opportunity to talk to Sanofi Pasteur director of U.S. public relations and communications Michael Szumera about the campaign.

Flu vaccinations have received a lot of attention lately, and that’s no surprise, considering the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that everyone ages 6 months and older get yearly vaccinations, not to mention the H1N1 pandemic flu scare.

October 9, 2012

Shoppers Drug Mart to offer flu vaccinations in Ontario

In light of a decision by the Ontario government to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists to include administering flu shots, Shoppers Drug Mart has announced that it will offer vaccination clinics in more than 750 stores in Ontario and across Canada.

TORONTO — In light of a decision by the Ontario government to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists to include administering flu shots, Shoppers Drug Mart has announced that it will offer vaccination clinics in more than 750 stores in Ontario and across Canada.

Under the new regulations, pharmacists in Ontario now can administer flu immunization by injection or inhalation to a patient who is 5 years of age and older.

October 9, 2012

Study: Immunizations at pharmacy save employer healthcare dollars

Beyond the most obvious impetus for providing vaccines at the retail pharmacy level — it protects the public’s health by providing a more convenient option than making an appointment with the doctor — it also might help save money for employers. 

A study recently published in the journal Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation found that when more vaccinations are administered in an alternate setting, such as a pharmacy, employers realize a greater cost benefit.  

October 9, 2012

Walgreens, local Chicago healthcare provider partner on 5,000 free flu shot vouchers for those in need

To help improve flu immunization rates in underserved communities, Walgreens and Access Community Health Network on Tuesday announced a collaboration that will provide 5,000 free flu shot vouchers to Access to help those either without health insurance coverage or those unable to afford the vaccination to get their flu shot.

CHICAGO — To help improve flu immunization rates in underserved communities, Walgreens and Access Community Health Network on Tuesday announced a collaboration that will provide 5,000 free flu shot vouchers to Access to help those either without health insurance coverage or those unable to afford the vaccination to get their flu shot.

October 5, 2012

Sanofi to visit San Francisco Walgreens on the next stop of its VacciNation Tour

Sanofi Pasteur will bring its Fluzone Intradermal Vaccine Coop de Quill VacciNation Tour to a San Francisco Walgreens on Oct. 6 as part of its cross-country efforts to raise awareness about the seriousness of influenza and the various vaccine options that are available for adults 18 to 64 years of age this flu season.

SWIFTWATER, Pa. — Sanofi Pasteur will bring its Fluzone Intradermal Vaccine Coop de Quill VacciNation Tour to a San Francisco Walgreens on Oct. 6 as part of its cross-country efforts to raise awareness about the seriousness of influenza and the various vaccine options that are available for adults 18 to 64 years of age this flu season.

October 4, 2012

More than 60% never immunized against whooping cough, Walgreens study finds

While most adults in the United States believe immunizations are important, consumer sentiment doesn't always drive behavior, according to a new survey by Walgreens.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — While most adults in the United States believe immunizations are important, consumer sentiment doesn't always drive behavior, according to a new survey by Walgreens.

October 1, 2012

Kaiser Permanente Southern California sets flu vaccination record

Healthcare provider Kaiser Permanente has set the world record for the most flu shots given in a single day, the organization said Monday.

PASADENA, Calif. — Healthcare provider Kaiser Permanente has set the world record for the most flu shots given in a single day, the organization said Monday.

The nonprofit health plan said its Southern California division administered 47,259 shots in an eight-hour period, nearly four times the previous record, according to the Guinness World Records; a Guinness World Records adjudicator confirmed the record, which beat the previous one, when Vanderbilt University administered 12,851 shots.

September 28, 2012

Kalorama: Worldwide sales of flu vaccines dropped 30% from 2010 to 2011

For the first time in a decade, sales of vaccines declined, Kalorama Information noted in a report released Thursday.

NEW YORK — For the first time in a decade, sales of vaccines declined, Kalorama Information noted in a report released Thursday. A weak flu season last year was one factor that led to a 30% decline in the market to $19.8 billion in 2011, down from $24.1 billion in 2010. However, Kalorama projects that the world vaccines market will rebound — increasing at a compound annual rate of 8.9% during 2011-2016.

September 27, 2012

Health officials, experts get vaccinated for flu as study highlights progress, gaps in vaccination efforts

Flu vaccination rates have remained steady overall, but rates continue to vary between age groups and among states, according to data from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study published Thursday.

WASHINGTON — Flu vaccination rates have remained steady overall, but rates continue to vary between age groups and among states, according to data from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study published Thursday.

September 25, 2012

Reinventing community pharmacy

A vast army of some 70,000 Walgreens pharmacists, technicians, nurses and nurse practitioners, and other clinicians is poised to plug some of the gaps in the nation’s overstretched healthcare system with expanded services, greater access for patients and new solutions for providers and payers in desperate need of quality, cost-effective solutions. 

September 24, 2012

Sanofi Pasteur hosts flu shot tour at Seattle Walgreens

Sanofi Pasteur is bringing its Fluzone Intradermal Vaccine Coop de Quill VacciNation Tour to Seattle Monday as part of its cross-country efforts to raise awareness about the seriousness of influenza and the various vaccine options that are available for adults 18 through 64 years old this flu season.

SWIFTWATER, Pa. — Sanofi Pasteur is bringing its Fluzone Intradermal Vaccine Coop de Quill VacciNation Tour to Seattle Monday as part of its cross-country efforts to raise awareness about the seriousness of influenza and the various vaccine options that are available for adults 18 through 64 years old this flu season.

In an effort to help improve flu immunization rates, Sanofi Pasteur's Fluzone Intradermal Vaccine Coop de Quill VacciNation Tour will visit the Kirkland Walgreens for a flu clinic event.

September 18, 2012

'Scrubs' actress hired as spokeswoman for flu vaccination campaign

Just days after Sanofi Pasteur's hiring of actor Chris O'Donnell as a celebrity spokesman for its flu vaccination campaign, the American Lung Association has hired actress Sarah Chalke for its campaign, for which it is also collaborating with Sanofi Pasteur.

WASHINGTON — Just days after Sanofi Pasteur's hiring of actor Chris O'Donnell as a celebrity spokesman for its flu vaccination campaign, the American Lung Association has hired actress Sarah Chalke for its campaign, for which it is also collaborating with Sanofi Pasteur.

The American Lung Association announced the enlistment of Chalke for its "Faces of Influenza" initiative to promote flu immunizations. Chalke, a cast member of the show Scrubs and a mother, will be the spokeswoman for the campaign during the 2012-2013 season.

September 17, 2012

Study: Vaccinations in alternate settings like pharmacy save significant employer healthcare dollars

A study recently published in the Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation journal found that when more vaccinations are administered in an alternate setting, such as a pharmacy, employers realize a greater cost benefit.

LONDON — A study recently published in the Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation journal found that when more vaccinations are administered in an alternate setting, such as a pharmacy, employers realize a greater cost benefit.

September 13, 2012

Sanofi Pasteur enlists actor Chris O'Donnell in flu vaccine campaign

The vaccines division of French drug maker Sanofi has signed a deal with actor Chris O'Donnell to promote its flu vaccination products, the company said.

SWIFTWATER, Pa. — The vaccines division of French drug maker Sanofi has signed a deal with actor Chris O'Donnell to promote its flu vaccination products, the company said.

Sanofi Pasteur's campaign includes an effort to build awareness of influenza and vaccine options, including the company's Fluzone Intradermal vaccine, for adults through the age of 65 years. O'Donnell has appeared in such movies as "Fried Green Tomatoes" and "Kinsey," and more recently in such television shows as "NCIS: Los Angeles."

September 12, 2012

AAP updates flu vaccination recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics on Tuesday recommended annual trivalent seasonal influenza immunization for all individuals ages 6 months and older, including all children, adolescents and young adults.

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. — The American Academy of Pediatrics on Tuesday recommended annual trivalent seasonal influenza immunization for all individuals ages 6 months and older, including all children, adolescents and young adults.

The updated policy statement, “Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2012-2013” published in the October 2012 issue of Pediatrics, includes guidance on vaccine formulations, dosing and administration, as well as current treatment guidance for antiviral medications.

September 10, 2012

Sam's Club offers 10 vaccines for cold-flu season

Sam's Club is offering 10 immunizations for cold and flu season, the warehouse retailer said Monday.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club is offering 10 immunizations for cold and flu season, the warehouse retailer said Monday.

The retailer said it would offer the immunizations at its 552 pharmacies. In partnership with Mollen Immunization Clinics, it's also offering an expanded menu of immunizations by registered nurses through Nov. 15. The immunizations include flu, pneumonia, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap, human papillomavirus, MMR, meningitis, hepatitis A and hepatitis B.