Content about Vaccines

April 6, 2012
Study finds quadrivalent FluMist vaccine more effective than traditional inoculations

An intranasal vaccine that includes four weakened strains of influenza could do a better job in protecting children from the flu than current vaccines, research released Tuesday by St. Louis University found.

ST. LOUIS — An intranasal vaccine that includes four weakened strains of influenza could do a better job in protecting children from the flu than current vaccines, research released Tuesday by St. Louis University found.

April 5, 2012
Pertussis vaccine offered at Albertsons/Sav-On pharmacies

Supervalu announced that its Albertsons/Sav-On banner is offering inoculations for whooping cough at 54 of its pharmacies in Washington.

FULLERTON, Calif. — Supervalu announced that its Albertsons/Sav-On banner is offering inoculations for whooping cough at 54 of its pharmacies in Washington.

The pertussis “Tdap” vaccine booster is recommended for those ages 11 years and older. Albertsons/Sav-On pharmacists are available to administer the vaccination to patients ages 12 years and older, the company said.

The vaccine is available without a prescription or appointment at $54.99 per immunization and a majority of prescription insurances are accepted.

April 3, 2012
Walgreens immunization studies: Pharmacy instrumental in helping states combat disease

Walgreens on Tuesday released case studies presented last week before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2012 National Immunization Conference on how retail pharmacy can expand access to immunizations and help support disease-prevention initiatives.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday released case studies presented last week before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2012 National Immunization Conference on how retail pharmacy can expand access to immunizations and help support disease-prevention initiatives.

The studies demonstrated the impact of three Walgreens initiatives aimed at increasing immunization rates: off-clinic hour vaccine administration, a pharmacist-led meningitis vaccination program and expansion of access to immunization services in underserved areas.

April 2, 2012
Astellas, Vical finalize design for phase-3 cytomegalovirus vaccine trial

Two drug makers have finalized the design of a late-stage clinical trial for a vaccine against a common virus that can cause complications later in life.

SAN DIEGO — Two drug makers have finalized the design of a late-stage clinical trial for a vaccine against a common virus that can cause complications later in life.

Vical and Astellas Pharma announced Monday that they had finalized the general design of a phase-3 trial of TransVax, a vaccine against cytomegalovirus, or CMV, for transplant recipients.

March 28, 2012
Clinics take a shot at offering more vaccines, including Gardasil

As pharmacies become increasingly involved in flu shots, retail-based clinics are expanding into other areas of vaccination — such as vaccines to help protect against human papillomavirus, meningitis and pneumonia — to further meet the healthcare needs of patients.

As pharmacies become increasingly involved in flu shots, retail-based clinics are expanding into other areas of vaccination — such as vaccines to help protect against human papillomavirus, meningitis and pneumonia — to further meet the healthcare needs of patients.

March 20, 2012
'It's not too late to get a flu shot,' Walgreens, Chicago Health System tell patients

Walgreens and the Chicago Health System on Tuesday reminded CHS patients who were given a flu shot voucher from Walgreens to redeem the voucher by the end of the month and help increase flu vaccination rates throughout the Chicagoland area.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and the Chicago Health System on Tuesday reminded CHS patients who were given a flu shot voucher from Walgreens to redeem the voucher by the end of the month and help increase flu vaccination rates throughout the Chicagoland area. Through this program, the health system distributed approximately 25,000 vouchers in January to CHS patients who had not received the vaccination.

March 1, 2012
FDA approves first flu vaccine to treat four strains of virus

The Food and Drug Administration has approved what it called the first flu vaccine to prevent four strains of the influenza virus.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved what it called the first flu vaccine to prevent four strains of the influenza virus.

February 1, 2012
Taking a shot: Flu vaccinations up at retail

As many as 111 million Americans had gotten a flu shot by mid-November, representing 36% of the 305 million Americans older than 6 months of age, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in early December.

As many as 111 million Americans had gotten a flu shot by mid-November, representing 36% of the 305 million Americans older than 6 months of age, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in early December. The number of people getting vaccinated is up slightly from last year, the CDC reported, most notably among children and seniors.

January 27, 2012
As pertussis cases rise in 2012, MinuteClinic helps underscore important role of clinics

The news that MinuteClinic is urging parents and guardians to protect their children and themselves by getting the proper vaccination is important as it not only addresses a serious health concern, but also underscores the valuable role that retail-based health clinics can play in health care.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The news that MinuteClinic is urging parents and guardians to protect their children and themselves by getting the proper vaccination is important as it not only addresses a serious health concern, but also underscores the valuable role that retail-based health clinics can play in health care.

(THE NEWS: MinuteClinic urges vaccination as pertussis cases rise in 2012. For the full story, click here)

January 26, 2012
MinuteClinic urges vaccination as pertussis cases rise in 2012

With at least a dozen states reporting confirmed cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, during the first three weeks of January, MinuteClinic is urging parents and guardians to obtain a DTaP shot (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) for unvaccinated children under 7 years old.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — With at least a dozen states reporting confirmed cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, during the first three weeks of January, MinuteClinic is urging parents and guardians to obtain a DTaP shot (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) for unvaccinated children under 7 years old.  Booster shots, known as Tdap, also are encouraged for all pre-teens, teens and adults.

January 25, 2012
Study: Gardasil doesn't cause autoimmune conditions

A human papillomavirus vaccine created by drug maker Merck does not cause autoimmune conditions after young women are inoculated, according to a new Kaiser Permanente study.

PASADENA, Calif. — A human papillomavirus vaccine created by drug maker Merck does not cause autoimmune conditions after young women are inoculated, according to a new Kaiser Permanente study.

January 3, 2012
FDA approves Prevnar 13 in older adults

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a Pfizer vaccine for Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults ages 50 years and older, the company said.

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a Pfizer vaccine for Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults ages 50 years and older, the company said.

Pfizer announced the FDA approval of Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine [diphtheria CRM197 protein]) as a single-dose for adults.

December 13, 2011
HHS, Novartis celebrate opening of state-of-the-art, stateside vaccine facility

The Department of Health and Human Services on Monday announced that the first U.S. facility to use a faster and more flexible technology to make influenza vaccine was dedicated as part of an initiative that could provide vaccine supplies sooner in an influenza pandemic.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services on Monday announced that the first U.S. facility to use a faster and more flexible technology to make influenza vaccine was dedicated as part of an initiative that could provide vaccine supplies sooner in an influenza pandemic.

December 5, 2011
CDC: 36% of Americans have gotten their flu shots; of those, 21% in a retail setting

As many as 111 million Americans had gotten a flu shot by mid-November, representing 36% of the 305 million Americans over the age of 6 months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated in a media telebriefing Monday afternoon.

ATLANTA — As many as 111 million Americans had gotten a flu shot by mid-November, representing 36% of the 305 million Americans over the age of 6 months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated in a media telebriefing Monday afternoon. The number of people getting vaccinated is up slightly from last year, the CDC reported, most notably among children and seniors.

December 5, 2011
CVS/pharmacy, MinuteClinic remind shoppers to get flu shot before celebrating the holidays

In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week from Dec. 4 to 10, CVS/pharmacy and its in-store health clinic business, MinuteClinic, are reminding families to "vaccinate before they celebrate" the holidays and receive their annual flu shot before the flu season peaks.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week from Dec. 4 to 10, CVS/pharmacy and its in-store health clinic business, MinuteClinic, are reminding families to "vaccinate before they celebrate" the holidays and receive their annual flu shot before the flu season peaks.

December 5, 2011
Rite Aid offers discounted flu shots through Dec. 17

Rite Aid is responding to a flu vaccination campaign by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by lowering prices on flu vaccinations, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is responding to a flu vaccination campaign by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by lowering prices on flu vaccinations, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

To mark National Influenza Vaccination Week, the retailer is offering flu shots for $19.99 through Dec. 17.

November 30, 2011
Vitals.com: Flu vaccination rates evenly split

Despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending that most people get flu shots, many members of the public remain skeptical, according to a new survey by Vitals.com.

LYNDHURST, N.J. — Despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending that most people get flu shots, many members of the public remain skeptical, according to a new survey by Vitals.com.

November 7, 2011
CVS/pharmacy recognizes Veterans Day by supporting USO, encouraging flu shots

As Veterans Day approaches, CVS/pharmacy is reminding all Americans, including veterans, military service members and their families, about the importance of getting a flu shot for protection against the flu.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As Veterans Day approaches, CVS/pharmacy is reminding all Americans, including veterans, military service members and their families, about the importance of getting a flu shot for protection against the flu.

In addition, to honor military heroes, CVS/pharmacy will donate $3 to the USO for every flu shot given at CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic during the week of Veterans Day, Nov. 6 to 12, up to $50,000.

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 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
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.