Supports CDC's Annual Recommendations for Families to Seek Vaccination for
Seasonal Influenza as Soon as Vaccine is Available
MedImmune Announces Influenza Vaccination Awareness Campaign with Women's
Professional Soccer
GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- MedImmune announced today that
it has begun shipping its seasonal influenza vaccine FluMist (Influenza
Vaccine Live, Intranasal) to vaccine distributors who service health care
providers throughout the United States. MedImmune expects approximately 10
million doses of its trivalent (three-strain) nasal spray flu vaccine will be
available for the 2009-2010 influenza season through a variety of private
health care practices, public health departments, school-based vaccination
programs, military bases, and other locations.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American
Academy of Pediatrics advise that flu vaccine be administered every year as
soon as it becomes available. A MedImmune analysis suggests that starting
influenza vaccination in August instead of October may help reach an
additional 11.5 million children at already-scheduled healthcare provider
visits.
The 2009-2010 influenza season is the first for full implementation of the
recommendations by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP) that children six months through the age of 18 years be vaccinated
annually against influenza, meaning 30 million additional children 5 through
18 years of age now fall within influenza vaccination recommendations.
"MedImmune is committed to delivering our seasonal nasal spray influenza
vaccine in the summer months in order to increase opportunities for
vaccination," said Alex Zukiwski, MD, MedImmune's Executive Vice President,
Clinical Research & Chief Medical Officer. "If more eligible children can be
vaccinated against seasonal influenza while attending back-to-school checkups,
sports physicals, and clinics early in the school year, the country will be
better prepared for the flu season ahead."
FluMist is available in every state through the federally funded Vaccines
for Children (VFC) program, which provides vaccines at no cost to eligible
children. FluMist is also covered by approximately 95 percent of private
health plans which offer immunization benefits.
FluMist Becomes Sponsor of Women's Professional Soccer
To help communicate the importance of seasonal flu vaccination efforts,
MedImmune has teamed up with Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) for "Don't Play
with the Flu"(TM) (www.dontplaywiththeflu.com), a national health awareness
campaign with the goal of increasing seasonal flu vaccination rates among
eligible kids and families across the country. As part of the multi-faceted
campaign, FluMist has become an official sponsor of WPS, the world's premier
women's professional soccer league, working with real-life soccer moms and the
league to reach families during flu vaccination season, including
back-to-school visits.
"Our 'Don't Play with the Flu' efforts are directed toward parents to help
them understand the importance of annual influenza vaccination and reminds
them not to wait to put up a defense against the flu, particularly with
seasonal vaccine becoming available during the summer," said Peter Greenleaf,
MedImmune's Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Corporate
Development & Strategy. "We're proud to partner with the WPS in its inaugural
season to bring this fun, educational and interactive campaign to the families
across America."
Important Safety and Eligibility information for FluMist
Who may be eligible for FluMist (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal)?
FluMist is a vaccine approved for the prevention of certain types of
influenza disease in children, adolescents and adults 2-49 years of age.
FluMist may not protect everyone who gets it. FluMist is for intranasal
administration only.
Who may not be able to get FluMist?
FluMist is not right for everyone. FluMist must not be given to: people
with history of hypersensitivity to eggs, egg proteins, gentamicin, gelatin or
arginine; people with life-threatening reactions to previous influenza
vaccinations; and children and adolescents receiving aspirin or
aspirin-containing therapy. Children less than 24 months of age are not
eligible for FluMist.
The following people may not be able to get FluMist or may be able to get
it only in certain situations: people with asthma or active wheezing, or
children less than 5 years of age with recurrent wheezing; people with a
history of Guillain-Barre syndrome; people with a weakened immune system;
people with long-term medical conditions including heart disease, kidney
disease, and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes; and pregnant women.
If your child falls into one of these groups, be sure to tell your
healthcare provider. They will decide if FluMist is right for your child.
What are the most common side effects of FluMist?
Most common side effects included runny nose or nasal congestion, sore
throat, and fever. For a full list of side effects, please see section 6.1 in
the following product information.
Please see the complete product information.
For more information, please visit www.FluMist.com.
About MedImmune
MedImmune, the worldwide biologics business for AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:
AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,100 employees worldwide and is
headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With an advancing pipeline of
promising candidates, we aim to be the next revolutionary force in
biotechnology by delivering life-changing products, industry-leading
performance, and a tireless commitment to improving patient health. For more
information, visit MedImmune's website at www.medimmune.com.
SOURCE MedImmune
CONTACT: Karen Lancaster of MedImmune, +1-301-398-5864,
lancasterk@medimmune.com/