Flu

Officials with GlaxoSmithKline have received approval from the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research to expand the indication for FluLaval Quadrivalent to include use in children aged 6 months and older.

Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory passages causing symptoms such as fever, severe aching, running nose, and cough. According to the CDC, the flu viruses spread mainly by droplets dispersing when flu-infected patients cough, talk, or sneeze.

Older people who have cytomegalovirus (CMV, β-herpesvirus HHV5) seem to have less robust responses to the trivalent influenza vaccine than those who do not have CMV.

Which OTC products should these pharmacists recommend?

Flu season is under way, and, along with it, lots of confusion and unreliable information.

Flu season is under way, and, along with it, lots of confusion and unreliable information.

Flu vaccine market estimated to grow by $1 billion over the next decade.

With peak flu season approaching, pharmacists are gearing up to help care for patients infected with influenza.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends all children aged 6 months through 8 years receive 2 influenza vaccine doses during their first vaccination season to ensure adequate immune response.

Although pharmacists administered vaccines historically, it was not until the late 1990s that pharmacy-based immunization programs were established in the modern community pharmacy setting.

The holiday season is a great time for pharmacists to educate patients on ways to stay healthy.

In recognition of customers who protect themselves, their families and their communities by getting flu shots this season, the Rite Aid Foundation has announced that it is donating more than $1.8 million to KidCents charities.

Top news of the day from across the health care landscape.

Patients with T2D who get the flu shot may have a reduced risk for hospitalization related to cardiovascular or respiratory issues.

Quadrivalent formulation of Protein Sciences’ Flublok influenza vaccine protects against 4 strains of influenza.

The FDA has approved its quadrivalent formulation of Protein Sciences' Flublok influenza vaccine for protection against 4 strains of influenza-3 of the same strains found in its trivalent version, along with an additional B strain. It is the first high-antigen-content quadrivalent flu vaccine approved by the FDA.

When an influenza pandemic breaks out, public health officials scurry to vaccinate as many individuals as they can.

Bartell Drugs and Seattle's Union Gospel Mission have teamed to help protect the homeless and insecurely housed residents of the downtown core by distributing flu kits" and vouchers for free flu immunizations.

Pharmacists immunize populations unlikely to otherwise receive vaccines. However, incompatible data systems obscure evidence of vaccination receipt and increase the risk of repetitive vaccination.

Pharmacists who launched marketing campaigns for flu shots in late summer may have jumped the gun for their older patients.

Flu vaccines are already available at many retail pharmacy locations, though the flu season typically starts on October 1.

With flu season just around the corner, it is important to stay up-to-date with CDC recommendations and changes each year.

When it comes to influenza treatment, oseltamivir is often the first medication considered, but could peramivir be an alternative in inpatient settings?

Routine vaccination declines significantly as patients enter adolescence.