FOR OUR PEDIATRIC FEDERATION PARTICIPANTS:   THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WAS SUBMITTED FROM MERCK REGARDING ZOSTAVAX SUPPLY-
October 2011
Dear Valued Customer,
We are writing to thank you for your commitment to vaccination with ZOSTAVAX® (Zoster Vaccine Live) and to update you on our efforts to ensure regular access to this important vaccine.
In our previous supply communications, we noted that we have been diligently working to make enhancements to our manufacturing processes. We also communicated that we have invested over $1 billion in new manufacturing resources, specifically our new facility in Durham, North Carolina.
We have started to see the results of these efforts and investments and we are excited about the progress we are making. The 2011 supply of ZOSTAVAX has materially improved versus prior years. From December 2010 through August 2011, more than 2.5 million doses of ZOSTAVAX have been shipped to over 38,000 unique locations across all customer types and all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. In comparison, we shipped an average of just under 2 million doses annually since the 2006 approval of ZOSTAVAX.
This supply improvement has resulted in shorter wait times for our customers. ZOSTAVAX is currently available, but it is taking about 2 to 3 weeks to fulfill orders. Backorders will continue to be filled on a first- come, first-serve basis as product becomes available.
We will continue to provide you with updated supply information including order status and delivery timing. Until we return to normal shipping we will attempt to contact you prior to shipping orders of ZOSTAVAX and we can work with you and your staff to recommend appropriate order size to meet your dose demand between shipments. You can always find the most recent supply and shipping updates as well as ordering information and customer service options at MerckVaccines.com®. To receive e-mail updates when the supply status is updated, please sign up at MerckVaccines.com/supplystatus.
We value you as a customer and want to reiterate our commitment to ensuring that ample supply of ZOSTAVAX remains strong. We continue to work diligently to meet this goal.
Sincerely,
John S. Kanaras
Global Marketing Leader, ZOSTAVAX Merck