Henry Schein Expects At Least 17 Million Flu Vaccine Doses for the Upcoming Season; Increased Supply Over Last Year; Preservative-Free Doses Available
MELVILLE, N.Y., May 22, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Henry Schein Inc. (Nasdaq:HSIC), the largest provider of healthcare products and services to office-based practitioners in the combined North American and European markets, today announced it is now confirming with its customers pre-booked flu vaccine for the 2002-2003 season.
The Company expects to have more vaccine available than last year. In addition to standard ten-dose vials, the Company will also be one of a few sources for pre-filled single-dose syringes, which are both more convenient to administer and preservative-free.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), last year the entire supply of flu vaccine in the U.S. was pre-booked by the end of May 2001. Because of this, the CDC is urging health care providers to order flu vaccine as soon as possible this year. Henry Schein distributed more than 15 million doses of flu vaccine to its customer base of healthcare providers during the 2001-2002 season.
"We have begun reaching out to our more than 100,000 physician customers nationwide and, so far, the CDC's message of ordering early seems to be taking root," explained Michael Racioppi, RPh, President, Medical Group, Henry Schein. "We are making every effort to meet demand this year as we expect to have more flu vaccine than last year. Furthermore, our preservative-free single-dose syringes will be available, allowing pregnant women and others who might be sensitive to the preservative, to get vaccinated.
"While securing vaccine supplies in a way that balances with demand is a major industry challenge, we are proud to say that over 80% of the customers who pre-booked with us last year received their order complete by the first week of October," Racioppi concluded.
For more information on the 2002-2003 supply and to place an order, physicians are encouraged to call (800) 772-4346 to speak with a Henry Schein representative. Orders can also be placed through the Company's Web site at www.henryschein.com. To review the CDC recommendations, please see http://www.cdc.gov/nip/Flu/Bulletins_2002-03/bulletin_1.htm.
About Henry Schein, Inc.
Recognized for its excellent customer service and low prices, Henry Schein 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., Melville,
Steven Paladino, 631/843-5500
or
Susan Vassallo, 631/843-5562,
svassa@henryschein.com