Eight Million Doses of Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine, Now in Short Supply, to be Distributed by Henry Schein
According to Henry Schein estimates, there were approximately 7-10 million people who were denied this vaccine last year because of shortages, which are expected to continue. As a result of the shortage, the Center for Disease Control's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has temporarily recommended Td vaccine use to only high priority patients, including those traveling to a country where diphtheria risk is high, those requiring tetanus vaccination for wound management, those who have had fewer than three doses of a Td vaccine, and pregnant women who have not had a Td vaccine within the past 10 years. The guidelines, as published by the ACIP, are available at the following web site:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/news/shortages/ faqs_shortages_3-7-02.htm#rectetanus. (Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste this hyperlink into your Internet browser's URL address field.)
"By accessing these eight million doses, Henry Schein will help reduce the serious shortage of Td vaccine we are now experiencing in the United States," said Michael Racioppi, RPh, President, Medical Group, Henry Schein. "As we have done with influenza and pneumococcal vaccine, Td is just one of many vitally needed medical supplies we have been able to secure, offering better value to our more than 100,000 physician customers, affording them access to limited supply products."
"Over the past few years, our focus on vaccines and injectables has increasingly intensified, to the point where Henry Schein has become one of the leading distributors of these products to office-based physicians in the United States," Racioppi concluded.
Tetanus, commonly called lockjaw, is a nervous system disease caused by common bacteria that enter through a break in the skin. Tetanus causes serious, painful muscle spasms and can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the patient cannot open his/her mouth or swallow, and may even lead to death by suffocation.
Unlike tetanus, diphtheria is an infectious disease most commonly spread from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. It can lead to respiratory problems, and is often complicated by toxic damage to heart muscles and the nervous system that can lead to heart failure, paralysis, and death. Diphtheria can also manifest on skin, causing rashes, ulcers, and lesions.
While tetanus and diphtheria have remained rare in the U.S. since the 1950s, almost all reported cases are among those who have never been vaccinated or who have not had a booster of Td vaccine in the previous 10 years.
About Henry Schein
Henry Schein, Inc. is the largest distributor of healthcare products and services to office-based healthcare practitioners in the combined North American and European markets. Recognized for its excellent customer service and low prices, the Company serves more than 400,000 customers worldwide, including dental practices and laboratories, physician practices and veterinary clinics, as well as government and other institutions.
The Company operates its four business groups - Dental, Medical, International and Technology - through a centralized and automated distribution network, which provides customers in more than 125 countries with a comprehensive selection of over 80,000 national and Henry Schein private-brand products. Henry Schein also offers a wide range of innovative value-added practice solutions, including such leading practice management software systems as DENTRIX(R) and Easy Dental(R), for dental practices, and AVImark(R) for veterinary clinics, which are installed in over 44,000 practices; and ArubA(R), Henry Schein's electronic catalog and ordering system.
Headquartered in Melville, New York, Henry Schein employs over 6,500 people in 16 countries. The Company's 2001 sales reached a record $2.6 billion. For more information, visit the Henry Schein Web site at www.henryschein.com.
CONTACT: Henry Schein, Inc. Steven Paladino, 631/843-5500 Susan Vassallo, 631/843-5562 svassa@henryschein.com