Nationwide Medical personnel were in attendance at the National Influenza Vaccine Summit in Scottsdale, AZ. Here is some noteworthy information that we learned by attending the conference:
On February 24, 2010 vaccine experts voted that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine in 2010 and beyond. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for "universal" flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people. 2010 vaccine will protect against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus and 2 other flu viruses.
It takes 14-18 weeks between Vaccination time and peak disease time. This is important as we need to encourage people to vaccinate September through December. Usually after Thanksgiving time the “flu season” ends.
The manufacturers are all stating that the production of vaccine this year will be greater then ever before. They are predicting a total of approximately 170 million doses to be made if all manufacturer’s production is combined.
GSK — 36 million doses produced (12 million Fluarix, 24 million Flulaval). Last year (2009) 18 million doses were produced. Release schedule — 50% to be delivered by end of August and 50% to be delivered by end of October.
Medimmune — Flumist — significant in Pediatrics as this is the nasal inhaler and not a shot. For 2010 they are expecting to produce 16 million doses.
Merck — Merck is now distributing Afluria. Afluria now has FDA approval on their multi-dose vials to be used for ages 6 months and older. They are expecting a release in August with completion by October. They will be manufacturing 14 million doses total. Two thirds of their production will be in syringe form and one third in multi-dose vials. CSL is the manufacturer of Afluria. They are based in Australia. Recently in Australia there were reports that several children had adverse reactions including febrile seizures following immunization. These adverse reactions and reports are being investigated by CSL.
Novartis — Fluvirin — 35-40 million doses projected to be made. Release will begin in August commencing in November. Novartis is marketing their pre-filled syringes as Agriflu. Novartis tells us they are most committed to supplying the retail pharmacy chains as they see this segment of the market as the most ripe for growth. They also state that the retail pharmacies are the most cost efficient immunizer of flu vaccine. In their pipeline, Novartis is working on cell culture flu vaccine production and a vaccine that will be called Optaflu. Novartis also brought to our attention the concept of “H1N1 Fatigue”. This “H1N1 Fatigue” is a concept that the population is tired of hearing about H1N1. They have also brought to forefront the issue that there may be some people that will forego a flu shot if they recently received a H1N1 vaccine.
Sanofi — Projection of 70 million doses to be produced. They are expecting a release of approximately 50 million doses by the end of September. Sanofi has two US vaccine manufacturing plants allowing them to ramp up production of Fluzone MDV by 15% if they should see demand rise. This year Sanofi will be offering a High-Dose flu vaccine for the 65 and older population. They are projecting production of about 5-6 million high dose vaccines.
Nationwide Medical will be offering and distributing wholesale flu vaccine including this upcoming 2010-2011 season. Deliveries are projected to begin towards the end of August.
Inquiries:
Nationwide Medical is eager to help you find flu vaccine. We ask that you provide us with your contact information so that we can respond to your inquiry below. Let us know which product you are interested in and what your needs are. We look forward to working with you!
