Physicians can now order flu vaccine for the 2005-2006 flu season. CMA encourages physicians to place their orders early to guarantee that they will receive their supply in time to vaccinate their high-risk patients in the autumn. Physicians can place orders directly with Sanofi Pasteur (Fluzone) and MedImmune (FluMist), or through their regular pharmaceutical distributor. (Chiron does not sell directly to the public; its vaccine is only available through distributors.)

Patients of all ages with conditions that put them at an increased risk of influenza-related complications, and those over age 65, are also considered high risk and should be immunized against influenza. Family members, caregivers, health care workers and other people in close contact with high-risk individuals should be vaccinated to reduce the odds of passing influenza to someone for whom it can be life threatening.

Physicians should also be aware that the American Academy of Pediatrics is now recommending annual flu vaccines for healthy children between six and 24 months of age.

Contact: Robin Flagg, 415/882-5110 or rflagg@cmanet.org.

Below is ordering information for the 2005-2006 flu vaccine.

FLUZONE
FLUVIRIN
FLUMIST

Fluzone (Sanofi Pasteur- formerly Aventis Pasteur)
http://www.vaccineshoppe.com

CLICK HERE for a statement from Sanofi Pasteur
on prebooking for influenza vaccine.

To Order:

• Online: http://www.vaccineshoppe.com (2 percent discount for online orders)
• Call in: 800/822-2463
• Fax: Fluzone request form to 800/561-1216

Cost: (Non-Returnable)

• Fluzone Vaccine (6 months and older), $99.50/vial
• Fluzone Vaccine, No Preservative (36 months and older), $132.50/10 Pack 0.5mL, Syringes
• Fluzone Vaccine, No Preservative: Pediatric Dose (6 months – 35 months), $122.50/10 Pack 0.25mL, Syringes

Storage : Store between 2°-8° C (35°-46° F). Potency is destroyed by freezing. Do not use FLUZONE if it has been frozen.

** Needles not provided

Fluvirin (Chiron)
http://www.chiron.com

Chiron's license was reinstated in Liverpool by UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and now has clearance to initiate full production of FLUVIRIN vaccine. (FDA will conduct a full inspection shortly.) Chiron anticipates producing between 28-38 million doses.

To Order:

• For 2005-2006 season, all sales will be through distributors (FFF, ASD, PSS,
  McKesson,Henry Shien, GIV and Caligor)
• Any questions can be addressed to: Rob Pettipas, Southwest Regional Manager at 949/279-6376

FluMist (MedImmune)
http://www.flumist.com

FluMist, nasal flu vaccine, is an active immunization for the prevention of disease caused by influenza A and B viruses indicated for healthy children and adolescents, 5 to 17 years of age, and healthy adults, 18 to 49 years of age.

To Order :

• Order FluMist now by calling 1-877-FLUMIST. Ordering representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST to process your request.
• Fax completed forms to 866-314-7717
• If you are a current GIV customer, you only need to complete the FluMist order form and Shipment Authorization form ;
• If you are not a current GIV customer, you must complete these forms.

Cost:

• Returnable doses: $24.50/dose
• Non-returnable doses: Under 50 doses, $19.95/dose; 50 or more doses, $18.95/dose
• Storage: Stored in frost-free freezer for up to 6 months

Contact: Robin Flagg, 415/882-5110 or rflagg@cmanet.org.