Cough-Cold and Flu

NEW YORK — Pfizer on Tuesday might be putting its $3.4 billion consumer healthcare business on the sales block, noting that all scenarios would be considered during a strategic review of its options, which include a full or partial separation of the business from Pfizer through a spin-off, sale or other transaction.

Of course, Pfizer may ultimately determine to retain the business, the company added.

NEW YORK — As flu season kicks off and the probability of catching the flu is a real concern, a majority of Americans admit to taking actions that may contribute to the spread of this highly contagious virus.

According to a new survey, roughly three out of five Americans who have had the flu or flu-like symptoms (61%) admitted to being out and about the last time they felt sick, putting others at risk, likely without them knowing.

WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention joined the National Foundation for Infectious Disease, along with other public health and medical groups, on Thursday to kick off the 2017-18 flu vaccination campaign.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — The Rite Aid Foundation last week launched its KidCents Mobile Flu Clinic, which will visit KidCents charities in communities served by Rite Aid to provide free flu shots to children served by the charity. Immediate family members as well as the staff and volunteers of the charity will also be able to receive free flu shots.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Ricola on Thursday reinforced its commitment to consumer wellness with the introduction of Ricola Herbal Immunity Citrus Gummies.   

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The influenza vaccine for the 2017-2018 flu season is now available at all Wegmans Food Markets locations, the grocer announced Thursday.

“By offering the flu vaccination in our pharmacies, we’re making it easy for our customers to protect themselves from the seasonal flu, while also improving immunization rates in the communities we serve,” stated Katie Niles, Wegmans pharmacist and pharmacy clinical wellness services manager.

CHICAGO — IRI earlier this week launched IRI Illness Tracking, a new solution that pinpoints consumers who suffer from cough, cold, influenza and allergy symptoms throughout the year, so that over-the-counter product marketers and retailers can grow sales during the flu season through better planning and activation programs.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and the United Nations Foundation on Thursday kicked off the fifth year of the Get a Shot. Give a Shot. campaign. The campaign has helped to provide more than 20 million polio and measles vaccines to people in developing countries.

Now through Aug. 31, 2018, for every vaccination administered at Walgreens pharmacies, Healthcare Clinics or Duane Reade pharmacies, Walgreens will donate the value of a lifesaving vaccine through the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign.