MedImmune announces that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the company a contract to manufacture monovalent (single-strain) live attenuated influenza vaccine for novel influenza A (H1N1) to vaccinate priority populations identified by HHS in the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza. An initial order of $90 million of vaccine has been placed, with the potential for additional orders. This project has been funded in whole or in part with the Federal funds from HHS/ASPR/BARDA, under Contract No. HHSO100200900002I.
MedImmune scientists have identified several promising vaccine candidates against the novel influenza A (H1N1) strain, and are currently evaluating their growth properties and antigenicity (i.e., their ability to stimulate antibodies) for mass production as part of the vaccine manufacturing process.
“MedImmune is pleased to be able to contribute our scientific expertise in influenza vaccine development and manufacturing to help combat this unpredictable public health threat,” said Ben Machielse, executive vice president of operations at MedImmune. “We are confident that our vaccine technology has several attributes that may be useful in protecting people with limited exposure to influenza against the novel influenza A (H1N1) strain.”
MedImmune’s live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) technology may be particularly well-suited for vaccinating against emerging influenza strains. LAIV is different from the injectable influenza vaccine in that it is a gentle mist sprayed into the nose, where the influenza virus usually enters the body. It contains live vaccine virus strains that are weakened so as not to cause the flu, but prompt the body to mount an immune response after the first dose. Because it is live and stimulates a broad range of immune responses, LAIV may offer some cross-protection against circulating flu strains that are “drifted” – meaning they are very closely-related but not perfectly matched to the flu strains in the vaccine. As a needle-free nasal spray, LAIV is well suited to facilitate mass vaccination, and has been widely used for school-based vaccinations and to help protect active-duty military personnel.
Dear Helpdesk: Working in a Toxic Health Care Environment
March 28th 2024Dear Helpdesk is your steadfast companion, offering life coaching and workplace advice from 2 seasoned IPs for some of your most challenging real-life situations. Let us help you navigate the intersection between work and life, guiding you to navigate the dynamic world of infection prevention with confidence and grace. This article is on handling a toxic health care environment.
Product Locator: Spring and Early Mother's Day Gift Guide for Infection Prevention Personnel
March 27th 2024Whether it's a spring holiday, birthdays, or no reason at all, infection prevention personnel love to give and receive gifts that help at the end of a stressful day. Infection Control Today® offers some gift ideas for infection prevention personnel and their families.
Catching Up With Vangie Dennis, AORN 2022-2023 President at AORN 2024
March 26th 2024Infection Control Today (ICT) had the privilege of catching up with Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses' (AORN’s) International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024. As the former president of AORN and an esteemed figure in perioperative services, Vangie Dennis shared insights into her recent endeavors and the exciting new chapter she's embarked upon.
How To Optimize Your Time Management Strategies for the Busy Infection Preventionist
March 25th 2024Is your calendar resembling a chaotic masterpiece of overlapping tasks? Join the club of infection preventionists striving to balance responsibilities. Dive into proven strategies from a fellow infection preventionist to reclaim control of your time, streamline tasks, and boost productivity effectively. This is an IP Lifeline article.