MedImmune begins shipping FluMist vaccine

GAITHERSBURG, Md. MedImmune announced Monday that it began shipping its influenza vaccine FluMist July 31 for the 2008-2009 influenza season. The company plans on producing about 12 million doses for the season.

A recent study by the company showed that starting vaccination against influenza in August may help reach an additional 10.7 million children while they are at healthcare provider offices for already-scheduled visits. 

“To meet the goal of vaccinating every school-age child and teenager against the flu, vaccination practices must shift to include opportunities across a longer period of time,” Dr. Norman “Chip” Harbaugh of the Atlanta-based Children’s Medical Group said. “Early availability of FluMist gives providers the ability to reach more eligible children through back-to-school check-ups, sports physicals and annual well-child visits with a vaccine that has been shown to provide protection throughout the entire flu season.”