New Nasal Mist Vaccine to9 Help Preventthe Flu (NAPSA)—Millions of healthy Americans will soon have the opportunity to be vaccinated against influenza without having to receive an injection. FluMist” (Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal), the first intranasal influenza vaccine licensed in the United States for healthy people, is now available in doctors’ offices nationwide and in pharmacies in many states for use this flu season. Approved for the prevention of influenza in healthy children and adolescents, 5 to 17 years of age, and healthy adults, 18 to 49 years of age, FluMist” offers flu protection via a fine mist delivered in the nose. Each year in the U.S., an estimated 17 million to 50 million peo- ple, many of whom are otherwise healthy children and adults, are infected with the influenza virus. Influenza also results in approximately $8 billion to $15 billion annually in direct and indirect costs, including an estimated 70 million missed workdays and approximately 38 million missed school days. “FluMist™is the first needle-free option in the U.S. for immunizing healthy children and adults against influenza,” said Robert B. Belshe, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Molecular Microbi- ology and Immunology at Saint Louis University, and the lead investigator of key FluMist™ clinical trials. “Healthy people should consider vaccination against the flu, as the burden of influenza in this population is significant. With the availability of FluMist™, more healthy people could get vaccinated and healthy adults, 18 to 49 years of age. In placebo-controlled clinical trials, the most common solicited adverse events in healthy children (n=214) included runny nose/nasal congestion, cough, irritability, headache, decreased activity, sore throat, fever (oral temperature ~ Protecting yourself and your family from flu is easier than ever. against influenza thisfall.” Because the influenza virus is airborne, it is easily transmitted, placing nearly everyone at risk of exposure. This is why areas where people gather, such as schools, homes, andoffices, are likely locations for catching the flu. The most effective way to prevent influenza is by vaccination. With the availability of FluMist™, healthy people from 5 to 49 years of age can get vaccinated now. FluMist™ is manufactured and marketed by MedImmune Vaccines, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MedImmune, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEDD), and is co-marketed by Wyeth Vaccines, a business unit of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE). For more information about FluMist™ and where it is available, visit www.FluMist.com or call 1-877FluMist. 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, >100F), muscle aches, chills, and vomiting. The most common adverse events in healthy adults (n=2,548) included runny nose, headache, sore throat, tiredness/ weakness, muscle aches, cough, andchills. There are risks associated with all vaccines, including FluMist”™. FluMist™ does not protect 100 percent of individuals vaccinated, or protect against viral strains not represented in the vaccine. FluMist” is not indicated for immunization of individuals less than 5 years of age, or 50 years of age and older. FluMist™ is contraindicated in persons with hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including eggs; in children and adolescents receiving aspirin therapy or aspirin-containing therapy; in individuals with a history of Guillain-Barr syndrome; and in individuals with known or suspected immunedeficiency. The safety and efficacy of FluMist™ have not been established in pregnant womenor for patients with chronic underlying medical conditions, including asthma or reactive airways disease; the vaccine should not be administered to these patients. See Prescribing Information for indications and usage, dosage and administration, andsafety information.
