Press Releases
HIDA, Flu Initiative Support 2010 National Influenza Vaccination Week
Alexandria, VA – In an effort to promote seasonal flu awareness, save lives and prevent illness, the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) and the Flu Vaccine Distribution Education Initiative offer their formal support of 2010’s National Influenza Vaccination Week (Jan. 10-16).
Each year more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die as a result of seasonal influenza, which typically peaks in February or March, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 250 million Americans (85% of the nation) – including many healthy adults and children – are recommended to receive the vaccine to protect themselves and close contacts.
Annual flu immunization is the best way to reduce the effects of influenza. Vaccination beyond the Thanksgiving holiday and into the New Year is beneficial, according to the CDC.
To help spread awareness about seasonal influenza, HIDA and the Flu Vaccine Distribution Education Initiative have created a series of resources to help healthcare workers and the public become better informed about the flu and its impact. Among these resources are:
- An assortment of free postcards that can be mailed to patients, family members, and colleagues to promote influenza vaccine education
- Fact sheets about influenza, approved 2009-2010 vaccines, and diagnostic testing
- In-depth information about the flu vaccine supply chain, clinic sites, and much more at www.FluSupplyNews.com
The Flu Vaccine Distribution Education Initiative and HIDA encourage the public to learn more about seasonal flu vaccination during National Influenza Vaccination Week, which features “Health Care Worker Vaccination Day” on Jan. 11,“Children’s Vaccination Day” on Jan. 13, and “Senior’s Vaccination Day” on Jan. 15.
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Press Release Archive
HIDA and Flu Vaccine Business Practices Initiative to Receive
National Award
Alexandria, VA (Feb. 26, 2008) – HIDA and the Flu Vaccine Business Practices will be recognized this spring by the National Influenza Vaccine Summit for their 2007-2008 work promoting seasonal flu immunization nationwide.
The Flu Summit is co-sponsored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Medical Association (AMA). Summit members include more than 400 influenza stakeholders from the distribution, manufacturing, provider, public, and government communities.
HIDA and the Flu Initiative Initiative (ASD Healthcare, Henry Schein, McKesson) will be named recipients of the National Influenza Vaccine Summit Excellence Award (2007-2008 Corporate Campaign) at the CDC's National Immunization Conference on March 17 in Atlanta.
“The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions towards improved adult and/or childhood and healthcare worker influenza vaccination rates within their communities,” said Mitchel C. Rothholz, a Flu Summit executive member, in announcing the award.
HIDA and the Initiative worked to improve overall flu vaccination and promote increased understanding of the flu vaccine supply chain through multiple efforts, including:
- increased outreach and advocacy
- education materials
- an informational Web site at www.FluSupplyNews.com
- extensive collaboration and partnerships with influenza stakeholders
- public service advertising, and more.
For additional information, visit www.FluSupplyNews.com or the Health Industry Distributors Association at www.HIDA.org.
HIDA and Flu Initiative Support Broadened Flu Vaccination Season and Increased Vaccination Rates
Alexandria, VA (Dec. 3,2007) – The Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) and the Flu Vaccine Business Practices Initiative announce their support for a broadened 2007-2008 flu vaccination season and efforts aimed at increasing overall vaccination rates.
More than 70% of Americans (218 million people) are recommended to receive flu vaccine each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, seasonal influenza immunization rates continue to fall below recommended guidelines. The flu is responsible for more than 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations each year.
Incidents of seasonal influenza tend to peak in February. “An extended vaccination season, running into December and beyond, provides a valuable opportunity for more people to be vaccinated and protected against the flu,” said Andrew Van Ostrand, HIDA vice president of policy.
This year, flu vaccine manufacturers estimate a record-breaking 130 million doses of vaccine will be produced. About 50% of the total supply will be delivered to physician offices and other provider sites by medical products distributors.
In addition to delivering this important vaccine, “HIDA and the Initiative are dedicated to keeping people informed about the importance of protecting themselves and others by getting immunized,” Van Ostrand said.
The Initiative, which was formed last year to promote greater transparency and understanding about seasonal flu vaccine distribution, includes member distributors ASD Healthcare, Henry Schein, and McKesson. The group works closely with HIDA, a non-profit trade association of medical products distributors, and other stakeholders to increase flu immunization rates and education efforts. To achieve this goal, the Initiative offers a variety of resources, including:
A comprehensive web site, www.FluSupplyNews.com, that provides information on flu vaccine distribution statistics, logistics, and the supply chain
- Fact Sheets and educational materials promoting the importance of seasonal flu vaccination
- A national listing of flu vaccine distributors
- Updated information for physicians and patients
To learn more, contact the Initiative at 703-838-6127 or visit www.FluSupplyNews.com.
customers CAN return unused Flu Vaccine Through New ASD Healthcare Program
Monday, Oct. 8, 2007
ASD Healthcare
ASD Healthcare asked customers how we could make CertiFlu, our innovative flu program, even better. The message was clear. Our customers want to be able to order with confidence and be able to return unused products.
We are pleased to announce that beginning October 8, 2007 customers can now return up to 25% of the flu vaccine ordered through CertiFlu*.
ASD Healthcare has filled most pre-book orders and has the following products available at discounted pricing. Call today for a personalized quote.
The following products are available through ASD Healthcare:
> FluLaval® (GSK), 5 mL vial
> Fluvirin® (NOVARTIS), 5 mL vial, syringes
> Afluria® (CSL) 5 mL vial, syringes
> FluMist® (MEDIMMUNE) box of 10 sprayers
Choose ASD Healthcare and Our CertiFlu Program
Receive you complimentary supply of flu vaccine exactly when you need it this year. CertiFlu, by ASD Healthcare guarantees it. Order your flu vaccine through our CertiFlu program, and ASD Healthcare will ensure that you receive 100% of your flu vaccine order by the guarantee date.
CertiFlu advantages include:
- No deposits required
- Return up to 25% of product ordered after October 8, 2007
- Orders accepted online, by phone or by fax
- Product safety through a secure and transparent supply chain
- Online tracking from shipment through delivery
How do I participate in CertiFlu?
Call ASD Healthcare today at 866.281.4FLU (4358) to receive personalized assistance. You can download a pre-book form at www.asdhealthcare.com and fax it to 800.547.9413, or submit your form online at www.asdhealthcare.com.
New Report Details Realities of Seasonal Flu Vaccine Distribution in ’06-’07
Alexandria, VA – A new report from the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) details how the flu vaccine supply chain operates, and provides data explaining why some physicians experienced delays in receiving flu vaccine despite record-breaking vaccine production.
HIDA’s 2006-2007 Influenza Vaccine Production & Distribution Market Brief, published this month, is the second in a series of reports that follows the different ways flu vaccine gets to market in the United States. Also presented is information on who influenza vaccine is sold to and key supply and demand issues.
“As medical products distributors increase their commitments to provide healthcare practitioners with life-saving flu vaccine, understanding the dynamics of this unique supply chain has never been more important,” said Andrew E. Van Ostrand, HIDA’s vice president of policy and research.
Data presented in the 2006-2007 flu market brief includes:
- Preferred sites for flu vaccination
- The amount of time in which distributors service physician offices
- Supply of influenza vaccine versus demand
- The number of flu vaccine doses made available for sale each week
- Flu vaccine sales by provider type
“More vaccine is being produced than ever before,” said Van Ostrand. “This is great news for public health and distributors are committed to doing their part to ensure that vaccine gets to those who need it as efficiently as possible.”
Free PDF versions of the flu market brief are available by e-mailing Frazier@HIDA.org. For more information about this report, contact HIDA at (703) 549-4432.
For additional information on flu vaccine issues, visit www.FluSupplyNews.com or the National Influenza Vaccine Summit at www.preventinfluenza.org.
Novartis plans 30% increase in U.S. supplies of Fluvirin® influenza vaccines and delivery of 40 million doses for 2007/2008 season
Basel, July 3, 2007 - Novartis Vaccines, the second largest supplier of influenza vaccines in the US, plans to produce approximately 40 million doses of its Fluvirin® vaccine for distribution in the U.S. during the upcoming 2007/08 influenza season - a 30% increase in supply from Novartis compared to the previous influenza season.
Based on accelerated production plans, approximately half of these doses are planned for delivery by the end of September, with all doses expected to be delivered by the end of October. The exact timing of deliveries will depend on the release of doses by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As in the past, Novartis will ensure a continuous supply of vaccines for the upcoming influenza season.
"Providing a reliable and timely supply of flu vaccines is a top priority for Novartis in supporting U.S. public health goals of increasing vaccination rates among the growing number of people at risk and recommended for vaccination," said Rajiv De Silva, President of Novartis Vaccines in the U.S.
"The early availability of Novartis influenza vaccines will enable healthcare providers to open additional clinics early in the season, a period when vaccination is most often requested," De Silva said.
Fluvirin contains the recommended virus strains
Influenza vaccines are updated each year to address changes in the viruses. Traditional "flu shots" are made from viruses that have been inactivated (killed), while nasally delivered vaccines are made with live attenuated influenza viruses.
Fluvirin contains the three influenza virus strains identified in the annual public health expert assessment for the 2007-2008 season in the U.S., which are the following:
- A/Solomon Islands/3/2006 (H1N1)-like virus
- A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2)-like virus
- B/Malaysia/2506/2004-like virus
Novartis was the first to provide injectable influenza vaccines to the U.S. for the previous year, having fulfilled and surpassed its overall supply commitment for the 2006-2007 season.
�An early and reliable availability of vaccine supplies is important to support public health officials and generate confidence that vaccines will be available to protect more of the population.
Vaccines help prevent influenza-related deaths and hospitalizations
�In an average year in the U.S., influenza causes more than 200,000 hospitalizations and kills approximately 36,000 people, primarily in people over age 65. Among elderly nursing home residents, the flu shot can help prevent cases and deaths from the flu. When combined with pneumonia, these diseases are the seventh leading cause of death in the US, killing more people than any other infectious diseases.
�The annual direct medical costs of influenza are estimated at USD 3 billion to USD 5 billion. Total direct and indirect costs, including lost work days, of a severe flu epidemic could be as high as USD 12 billion to USD 14 billion.
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SANOFI PASTEUR REMAINS ON TRACK TO DELIVER 50 MILLION DOSES OF INFLUENZA VACCINE TO U.S. MARKET FOR 2006-2007 SEASON
Sanofi pasteur, the vaccines business of the sanofi-aventis Group (NYSE: SNY), is on track to deliver its entire projected supply of 50 million doses by the end of November. The company is distributing all of its vaccine as soon as it completes final testing and expects to ship the major part during October and November.
Record Supply of Flu Vaccine for 2006-07 Season Gets Another Boost
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Flu Vaccine Initiative News Brief
Alexandria, VA – This year’s record amount of anticipated seasonal flu vaccine rose from a projected 100 million doses up to 115 million doses this month.
The boost in flu vaccine supply comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced its approval of a fifth seasonal flu vaccine brand, called FluLaval, on Oct. 5. The seasonal vaccine brand, which is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, is used to immunize people age 18 and older against seasonal flu.
“The abundant amount of flu vaccine supply means more Americans than ever before can be protected against the flu,” said Matt Rowan, president of the Health Industry Distributors Association.
“Members of the distribution community are working with doctors, manufacturers and the government to make sure that everyone who wishes to receive a flu shot has access to one throughout the flu season,” Rowan said.
Did You Know?
“In a majority of recent flu seasons, flu activity has not reached peak levels until late December through early March,” the CDC reports. As a result, “vaccination should continue in December and later.”
The CDC recommends that providers schedule immunization clinics in November and December to ensure flu vaccine supply reaches all targeted groups (including newly-designated patient populations) and those who wish to receive a flu shot.
