• by Tanya Gazdik , September 13, 2012

Sanofi Pasteur has hired actor Chris O’Donnell to spread the word about its Fluzone Intradermal vaccine.

The Swiftwater, Penn.-based pharmaceutical company is launching a nationwide effort, including an outreach tour, to raise awareness about flu vaccine options for adults.

Recent survey findings indicate that the majority of adults fear spreading the flu to family and friends, yet only a third of adults 18 through 64 years of age get a flu shot.

Fluzone Intradermal vaccine is an alternative immunization option for adults and features an ultra-thin needle that is 90% smaller.

Despite a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that everyone six months of age and older receive an annual influenza vaccination, on average, only a third of adults in the U.S. ages 18 through 64 years of age are immunized.

Results from a recent telephone survey of 663 adults revealed that these low rates highlight a disconnect between fear and action, as two out of every three (67%) adults 18 through 64 years of age said their biggest fear regarding influenza is spreading the virus to their loved ones, yet three in five (61%) adults said they remain unvaccinated against the flu.

The survey also showed that 53% of adults 18 through 64 years of age who were vaccinated annually reported that their vaccination experience would be better if the needle was much smaller, and 65% said their experience would be better if access to the flu shot was more convenient.

The Fluzone Intradermal “Coop de Quill VacciNation Tour” is a national initiative that aims to raise awareness about the seriousness of influenza and the various vaccine options that are available for adults this flu season.  

O’Donnell will share his personal flu vaccination experience and help to educate about this potentially deadly disease and vaccine options through various media activities this flu season. 

In addition, the tour is joining forces with various retail pharmacy partners to bring Fluzone Intradermal vaccine to cities across the nation. The vehicle will stop in Baltimore, Chicago, Raleigh, San Francisco and Seattle. At each stop attendees will have the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions with clinic pharmacists to better understand the importance of annual influenza vaccination and the various vaccine options available to them.  

Attendees can also get immunized with Fluzone Intradermal vaccine at a flu clinic hosted at each retailer and receive other items to help keep them healthy this flu season.