Press Release Source: Centocor Ortho Biotech on Wednesday December 1, 2010, 8:00 am EST

HORSHAM, Pa., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Acclaimed comedian and actor Jon Lovitz is talking candidly for the first time about living with severe plaque psoriasis through a national disease awareness campaign called Are you Serious?™.  Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition which causes red, scaly plaques on the skin and affects nearly 7.5 million Americans, including Lovitz, who struggled with the condition for 10 years before getting its symptoms under control. Through his distinctive comedic style, Lovitz illustrates several of the everyday challenges faced by people with psoriasis in TV and radio public service announcements (PSAs), an entertaining song parody performed to Maroon 5′s famous hit, “This Love,” and an educational website – SeriousAboutPsoriasis.com.

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“A large portion of my body was covered in psoriasis – I had plaques on my arms, back, stomach and scalp.  It was embarrassing, painful and emotionally difficult to deal with until, finally, I got serious about my psoriasis and worked with a dermatologist to find an effective treatment,” remembers Lovitz. “I decided to use my comedy to raise awareness about psoriasis, without making fun of having the disease. I hope that through hearing my story, people with psoriasis will feel inspired to talk with a dermatologist and get their symptoms under control.”

Are you Serious?™, a collaborative effort between Centocor Ortho Biotech inc. and the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), brings Lovitz’s personal experiences and humor to the public forefront in an effort to educate and empower the psoriasis community.  In the campaign’s song parody, he puts into perspective the real-life emotional impact of the disease with the chorus line, “psoriasis has taken its toll on me.” The NPF has released research that supports the sentiments conveyed in Lovitz’s musical performance, showing that people with psoriasis felt self-conscious (73 percent) or embarrassed (68 percent) because of their physical symptoms.

“Our findings about the impact of psoriasis, along with the stories we hear from people coping with the disease, underscore the importance of working with a dermatologist to find a treatment that effectively manages your disease symptoms,” said Randy Beranek, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation.  ”The NPF is grateful to Jon for taking a different approach to share his story, using humor as a means to motivate patients and educate the public about a disease that’s often misunderstood.”

Are you Serious?™  brings together Lovitz and his long-time colleague and friend, Hollywood film director Jerry Zucker, who produced the program’s video assets. Lovitz was compensated by Centocor Ortho Biotech inc. for his participation in Are you Serious?™.

In support of the campaign, Centocor Ortho Biotech inc., will donate one dollar to the NPF for each of the first 10,000 people who share the video of the song parody.  For more information about the campaign, psoriasis and Jon’s story, visit SeriousAboutPsoriasis.com.

About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that results from the overproduction of skin cells, resulting in their accumulation on the surface of the skin, which causes red, scaly plaques that may bleed.  It is estimated that approximately 7.5 million Americans and nearly three percent of the world’s population are living with psoriasis and nearly one-quarter of those people have cases that are considered moderate to severe.

About Centocor Ortho Biotech inc.

Centocor Ortho Biotech inc. redefines the standard of care in immunology, nephrology and oncology.  Built upon a pioneering history, Centocor Ortho Biotech harnesses innovations in large-molecule and small-molecule research to create important new therapeutic options.  Beyond its innovative medicines, Centocor Ortho Biotech is at the forefront of developing education and public policy initiatives to ensure patients and their families, caregivers, advocates and healthcare professionals have access to the latest treatment information, support services and quality care.  For more information about Centocor Ortho Biotech, visit CentocorOrthoBiotech.com.  

Posted on: Monday, 23 August 2010, 08:00 CDT

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ — CVS/pharmacy, the nation’s leading retail pharmacy, and MinuteClinic, the largest retail health care clinic provider in the U.S., today announced that flu vaccinations are now available at all of its locations nationwide. CVS/pharmacy has more than 7,000 locations and MinuteClinic has more than 500 locations inside select CVS/pharmacy stores.

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For the first time, customers will be able to make an appointment to receive a flu shot from a CVS pharmacist at the time, date and location of their choice by using My Flu Shot Scheduler, a new online resource available at cvs.com/flu.

My Flu Shot Scheduler offers unparalleled access to flu vaccinations by allowing consumers to make vaccination appointments with a CVS pharmacist that are convenient for them based on their zip code or city/town, as well as the number of people in their family who want to be vaccinated. The exclusive online scheduler will also identify the times and dates of CVS/pharmacy walk-in flu clinics. My Flu Shot Scheduler is also available by calling toll-free 1-888-FLU-SHOT or 1-888-88-GRIPE (Spanish).

This year, only one vaccine will be required for protection against three influenza strains, including the H1N1 virus and the seasonal H3N2 virus. In addition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending for the first time that anyone ages six months or older get a flu shot, an expansion from its previous recommendations that certain risk groups be vaccinated.

“With this year’s ‘all-in-one’ flu vaccine and the CDC’s recommendation that everyone be vaccinated against influenza, it is more important than ever that customers be provided with convenient access to a flu shot,” said Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark. “Through our ‘Flu Shots Your Way’ campaign, consumers can make an appointment for a flu shot or take advantage of a walk-in flu clinic at their local CVS/pharmacy, or visit a MinuteClinic for a flu shot any day of the week with no appointment needed.”

Each year, influenza causes approximately 36,000 deaths in the United States. A flu shot can reduce the chance of becoming infected by influenza by up to 70%. Because it takes about two weeks to achieve full immunization from influenza after being vaccinated, a flu shot is recommended as early as possible.

“The best protection against the flu is a flu shot. Even if you received the H1N1 vaccine earlier this year, you should still receive this year’s ‘all-in-one’ seasonal flu shot,” said Paulette Thabault, RNC, MS, Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer, MinuteClinic. “Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness, so getting a flu shot is an effective way to protect both yourself and those around you.”

“In addition to getting a flu shot, consumers can help prevent the spread of germs this flu season by remembering to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based cleanser, cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, avoid contact with people who are sick with the flu, and stay home from school or work if you have the flu,” said Papatya Tankut, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy Professional Services, CVS/pharmacy. “If you do catch a cold or the flu, CVS pharmacists are available to help you find the right products to treat your symptoms.”

MinuteClinic nurse practitioners can vaccinate patients who are 18 months or older except in Massachusetts, where the minimum age is 24 months. The minimum age for vaccinations by a pharmacist varies depending on the state. Check with your local CVS/pharmacy or visit cvs.com/flu’s My Flu Shot Scheduler to determine minimum vaccination age by state. MinuteClinic flu shots are administered in a private exam room and CVS/pharmacy will use privacy screens for patients receiving flu shots from pharmacists in the pharmacy area.

A flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic costs $29.95 and vaccinations are covered by many insurance plans. CVS ExtraCare cardholders who receive a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic will also receive a one-time 10% discount on non-pharmacy purchases up to $100 at CVS/pharmacy, except where otherwise prohibited by law.

For more information, please visit cvs.com/flu or minuteclinic.com/flu.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America’s largest retail pharmacy with more than 7,000 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at cvscaremark.com.

About MinuteClinic

MinuteClinic is a division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States. MinuteClinic launched the first retail health care centers in the United States in 2000 and is the first provider to establish a national presence, with approximately 500 locations in 25 states and the District of Columbia. By creating a health care delivery model that responds to patient needs, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has generated more than seven million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating. MinuteClinic consistently brings innovation to the marketplace and sets new standards for clinical quality that exceed the national guidelines established for store-based clinics. MinuteClinic is the first retail health care provider to receive accreditation (2006) and reaccreditation (2009) from The Joint Commission, the national evaluation and certifying agency for nearly 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. for more information, visit MinuteClinic.com.

Media Contacts: Mike DeAngelis CVS Caremark 401.770.2645 Rachel Walt Weber Shandwick 617.520.7254 Brent Burkhardt TBC (for MinuteClinic) (410) 986-1303 bburkhardt@tbc.us

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