MedImmune Begins Shipping Its Intranasal Influenza
Vaccine for 2005-2006 Influenza Season
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MedImmune, Inc.
(Nasdaq: MEDI) announced today that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has
included in its priority influenza immunization schedule that FluMist
(Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal) may be administered at any time for
vaccination of nonpregnant healthy persons aged 5-49 years, including most
healthcare personnel, other persons in close contact with groups at high risk
for influenza-related complications, and others desiring protection against
influenza. FluMist is, therefore, not subject to the tiered recommendations
for priority use of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) published in
the issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, dated September 2,
2005.(1)
MedImmune also announced today that it has begun shipping FluMist to
healthcare providers. Consumers can ask their doctor or pharmacist about
whether FluMist is right for them and where it may be available in their local
area. Physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals interested
in ordering FluMist may call (877) FLUMIST. More information about FluMist
can be accessed at http://www.flumist.com.
"CDC's efforts to immunize and protect the highest-risk groups on a
priority basis this influenza season are part of a vital public health
program," commented Edward M. Connor, M.D., executive vice president and chief
medical officer. "At the same time, it's important for healthcare providers,
state public health officials, and the general public to know that FluMist
remains available as an option for nonpregnant healthy persons aged 5-49 years
who wish to be vaccinated against influenza."
According to an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine,
school-aged children have an influenza attack rate of 30 percent.(2) In
addition, experts have suggested that vaccinating approximately 50 to 70
percent of school-aged children would considerably reduce influenza in the
general population, thus helping to keep it from reaching epidemic levels.(3)
About FluMist
FluMist is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of disease
caused by influenza A and B viruses in healthy children and adolescents, 5 to
17 years of age, and healthy adults, 18 to 49 years of age. There are risks
associated with all vaccines, including FluMist. Like any vaccine, FluMist
does not protect 100 percent of individuals vaccinated. In studies of people
between the ages of 5 and 49 years, runny nose was the most commonly reported
side effect. Other common side effects included various cold-like symptoms,
such as headache, cough, sore throat, tiredness/weakness, irritability, and
muscle aches.
FluMist should not be used, under any circumstances, in anyone with an
allergy to any part of the vaccine, including eggs; in children and
adolescents receiving aspirin therapy; in people who have a history of
Guillain-Barre syndrome; and in people with known or suspected immune system
problems. Pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions, asthma,
or reactive airways disease should not get FluMist.
Please see the Prescribing Information at
http://www.flumist.com/pdf/prescribinginfo.pdf, visit http://www.flumist.com,
or call 1-877-633-4411 for additional information.
About MedImmune, Inc.
MedImmune strives to provide better medicines to patients, new medical
options for physicians, rewarding careers to employees, and increased value to
shareholders. Dedicated to advancing science and medicine to help people live
better lives, the company is focused on the areas of infectious diseases,
cancer and inflammatory diseases. With approximately 2,000 employees
worldwide, MedImmune is headquartered in Maryland. For more information,
visit the company's website at http://www.medimmune.com.
This announcement contains, in addition to historical information, certain
"forward-looking statements" regarding FluMist. Such forward-looking
statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and
uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change current
expectations and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially
from current expectations. MedImmune undertakes no obligation to update any
forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise except as may be required by applicable law or regulation.
(1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Update: Influenza vaccine
supply and recommendations for prioritization during the 2005-2006
influenza season. MMWR 2005;54(34):850.
(2) Neuzil KM, Mellen BG, Wright PF, et al. The effect of influenza on
hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and courses of antibiotics in
children. N Engl J Med. 2000;342:225-231.
(3) Longini IM, Halloran ME. Strategy for distribution of influenza
vaccine to high-risk groups and children. Am J Epidemiol.
2005;161:303-306.
SOURCE MedImmune, Inc.
CONTACT:
Media:
Jamie Lacey, +1-301-398-4035
Clarencia Stephen,
+1-301-398-4073
Investors:
Peter Vozzo, +1-301-398-4358
John Filler,
+1-301-398-4086
all of MedImmune, Inc.