Vaccine expansion ?

[Anonymous]

Anyone know the timing of your vaccine sales force expansion? I am trying to get out of GSK with 5 years vaccine experience in midwest.
Thanx

 

[Anonymous]

Anyone know the timing of your vaccine sales force expansion? I am trying to get out of GSK with 5 years vaccine experience in midwest.
Thanx

What part of the Midwest? By the Way, Novartis internal people wants these jobs so why would we give you any scoop?

 

[Anonymous]

What part of the Midwest? By the Way, Novartis internal people wants these jobs so why would we give you any scoop?

I understand sensitivity & rightly so.

However. I would tell you it makes sense to hire some experienced vaccine people. I have spent 5 years in vaccines & 8 years in pills before that. The business is different. Ask anyone that has done both.

Much of the vaccine business is done centrally. Vaccines are purchased and reimbursed through insurance. Have you ever had discussions about CPT codes, inventory levels, shipping & supply issues, contracting, Wholesalers ? Because offices/systems buy the vaccines and then wait for reimbursement there are many new issues & people involved.

I also have established relationships in my area with many of the vaccine decision makers, they are not always the doc you are asking for a script. Often a clinic manager or other persons have as big of decision rights as the MD. Many times more with the ACIP statements about recommendations.

THat is why I think a mix of experience would be good.

I hope that answers your question.

 

[Anonymous]

I understand sensitivity & rightly so.

However. I would tell you it makes sense to hire some experienced vaccine people. I have spent 5 years in vaccines & 8 years in pills before that. The business is different. Ask anyone that has done both.

Much of the vaccine business is done centrally. Vaccines are purchased and reimbursed through insurance. Have you ever had discussions about CPT codes, inventory levels, shipping & supply issues, contracting, Wholesalers ? Because offices/systems buy the vaccines and then wait for reimbursement there are many new issues & people involved.

I also have established relationships in my area with many of the vaccine decision makers, they are not always the doc you are asking for a script. Often a clinic manager or other persons have as big of decision rights as the MD. Many times more with the ACIP statements about recommendations.

THat is why I think a mix of experience would be good.

I hope that answers your question.

Really? Why leave an established vaccine company like GSK for a NEW vaccine division in Novartis? Just curious. I'm an internal candidate and you won't get the job over me, regardless of your experience. Primary care reps at Novartis are for the most part, pissed about all of the changes, territory realignments that make no sense and will do whatever they can for these vaccines positions if/when they become available. We will do whatever it takes to keep external people like yourself away reagardless of your experience. Just letting you know what you up against.

 

[Anonymous]

Really? Why leave an established vaccine company like GSK for a NEW vaccine division in Novartis? Just curious. I'm an internal candidate and you won't get the job over me, regardless of your experience. Primary care reps at Novartis are for the most part, pissed about all of the changes, territory realignments that make no sense and will do whatever they can for these vaccines positions if/when they become available. We will do whatever it takes to keep external people like yourself away reagardless of your experience. Just letting you know what you up against.

Dude, I understand your hostility, but you DO NOT know the vaccine business! One of the reasons I want to leave GSK is because of the pill management screwing up the vaccine business.

If you think you can compete with me I will ask a few questions.
What is the ACIP? How do they effect immunizations?
Tell me what shots are given at 6,12 ,24 months?
What are the adolescent immunization issues of the past three years?

If you can't speak the language of knowledgable buyers & thought leaders, how are you going to be able to sell the THIRD Meningitis shot on the market?

Can you read a PI on Diovan & then add value to an experienced MD, yeah right!

This is why you need a MIX of experience, and why you need outsiders like me.
WHO is going to teach you the business, another pill rep????

 

[Anonymous]

Dude, I understand your hostility, but you DO NOT know the vaccine business! One of the reasons I want to leave GSK is because of the pill management screwing up the vaccine business.

If you think you can compete with me I will ask a few questions.
What is the ACIP? How do they effect immunizations?
Tell me what shots are given at 6,12 ,24 months?
What are the adolescent immunization issues of the past three years?

If you can't speak the language of knowledgable buyers & thought leaders, how are you going to be able to sell the THIRD Meningitis shot on the market?

Can you read a PI on Diovan & then add value to an experienced MD, yeah right!

This is why you need a MIX of experience, and why you need outsiders like me.
WHO is going to teach you the business, another pill rep????

Yeah well I work for Novartis and have six years of vaccine exp so I will definitely get the job over you GSK rep. Get lost loser. Nobody here wants your ass here anyway. Plenty and I mean plenty of MOTIVATED Novartis reps willing to do whatever is necessary to get out of pcp sales and into vaccine sales so bring it on! Your excuse, uh reason to leave GSK is weak, dude!

 

[Anonymous]

Vaccine job: Rep: Dr. have you vacinated those patients we talked about being appropriate for my drug?
Dr. : Yes three months ago, so what the eff are you talking to me about? I'll see you nine months from now. Get the eff out. Oh got any pens?
SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

 

[Anonymous]

Vaccine job: Rep: Dr. have you vacinated those patients we talked about being appropriate for my drug?
Dr. : Yes three months ago, so what the eff are you talking to me about? I'll see you nine months from now. Get the eff out. Oh got any pens?
SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

You are HILARIOUS! Without knowing it you just made my point! Everyone in any vaccine company is laughing their ass off at YOU!!

You don't vaccinate certain patients by risk factor, you ass! It is not a drug, it is a vaccine. Pediatric vaccines are given daily, not three months ago, to all kids the appropriate age. Very few contraindications. Most vaccines are NOT risk based assesment every patient. There is somehting called herd immunity which I won't explain to you PILL REP!

Talk like that in the interview please, Novartis will throw so much money at me after they hear you talk it will be great!! FOOL!

Guess you showed me.........

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah well I work for Novartis and have six years of vaccine exp so I will definitely get the job over you GSK rep. Get lost loser. Nobody here wants your ass here anyway. Plenty and I mean plenty of MOTIVATED Novartis reps willing to do whatever is necessary to get out of pcp sales and into vaccine sales so bring it on! Your excuse, uh reason to leave GSK is weak, dude!

Not a problem.
I welcome people who know vaccines, I want a winning product. But if the whole team is like the pill rep post above, the product will fail.

If you sold vaccines you know what I am talking about, or are you only BS
Give me a vaccine comment, not a pill comment. Funny how you didn't mention any products by name??

 

[Anonymous]

Not a problem.
I welcome people who know vaccines, I want a winning product. But if the whole team is like the pill rep post above, the product will fail.

If you sold vaccines you know what I am talking about, or are you only BS
Give me a vaccine comment, not a pill comment. Funny how you didn't mention any products by name??

I don't believe you mentioned any products by name either, troll! Get the fuck lost. You will not get hired by Novartis, guaranteed.

 

[Anonymous]

I don't believe you mentioned any products by name either, troll! Get the fuck lost. You will not get hired by Novartis, guaranteed.

Hey pill reps who think they can sell vaccines by reading the PI

Lets pretend you are selling a vaccine (Pediarix, to name one) and it is scheduled at 2,4 & 6 months. How many other shots are kids getting at these visits, as recommended by the ACIP ? If you are going to sell a meningitis shot that goes as low as 2 months, you had better address the number of shots per visit. What is the typical well baby schedule in the first two years of life?

Pill rep who thinks they know it all please answer.

Do you think the office should order direct or through another channel of vaccine distribution ? Would you suggest using a GPO or wholesaler?

 

[Anonymous]

The OP is correct, and since Novaritis is trying to swipe GSK vaccine sales directors, you can bet that those people will also want to have reps who know the business working for them as well. Although why someone would leave a division with multiple vaccines to sell now and more in pipeline would be difficult to understand, (unless they can't sell), cause the money is about the same as a total package.

 

[Anonymous]

The OP is correct, and since Novaritis is trying to swipe GSK vaccine sales directors, you can bet that those people will also want to have reps who know the business working for them as well. Although why someone would leave a division with multiple vaccines to sell now and more in pipeline would be difficult to understand, (unless they can't sell), cause the money is about the same as a total package.

Not true. If you don't know what you are talking about, don't post that crap! I know the guy who is probably going to get the Midwest Sales Director job and he is not currently with GSK. GSK reps won't get these jobs becasue the moral with Novartis reps is VERY, VERY low right now and please get real, a Novartis with or without previous vaccine business could step in and sell the vaccine line very well. By the way, GSK rep, how did you get your vaccine experience before selling GSK's vaccine line? Oh wait, you never had previous vaccine sales experience and still got the position anyway. Same will apply here so move on.

 

[Anonymous]

Not true. If you don't know what you are talking about, don't post that crap! I know the guy who is probably going to get the Midwest Sales Director job and he is not currently with GSK. GSK reps won't get these jobs becasue the moral with Novartis reps is VERY, VERY low right now and please get real, a Novartis with or without previous vaccine business could step in and sell the vaccine line very well. By the way, GSK rep, how did you get your vaccine experience before selling GSK's vaccine line? Oh wait, you never had previous vaccine sales experience and still got the position anyway. Same will apply here so move on.

Very good question, how did I learn the vaccine business. If you were reading some of my posts above you would understand.

I said above a new sales team would need a mix to be fair to current Novartis & still be succesful. When I switched from tablets I was a new member in a district that had people with one to ten or more years experience with vaccines!

That is how I learned, from others with EXPERIENCE! That is why you NEED people who have been in the business to help make Menveo successful. It will be the third meningitis shot on the market.

If you have team of all tablet reps selling against a team of vaccine reps the product will never make it. Again, if I read the PI on Diovan am I then able to discuss with a cardioligist the finer points of it versus its competitors because I really really want to?

You don't even know who makes the brand decision on vaccines until you have worked through the maze of influence. The MD many times does not make the decision. You need nurses & admin & sometimes pharmacy people to work through for a decision. Vaccines are a business & medical decision. Contracting is HUGE, but I am sure you pill reps already knew all this.

My original question. Does anybody know the timing of the vaccine expansion? I can help you all succeed if you are smart enough to learn from me.

 

[Anonymous]

Very good question, how did I learn the vaccine business. If you were reading some of my posts above you would understand.

I said above a new sales team would need a mix to be fair to current Novartis & still be succesful. When I switched from tablets I was a new member in a district that had people with one to ten or more years experience with vaccines!

That is how I learned, from others with EXPERIENCE! That is why you NEED people who have been in the business to help make Menveo successful. It will be the third meningitis shot on the market.

If you have team of all tablet reps selling against a team of vaccine reps the product will never make it. Again, if I read the PI on Diovan am I then able to discuss with a cardioligist the finer points of it versus its competitors because I really really want to?

You don't even know who makes the brand decision on vaccines until you have worked through the maze of influence. The MD many times does not make the decision. You need nurses & admin & sometimes pharmacy people to work through for a decision. Vaccines are a business & medical decision. Contracting is HUGE, but I am sure you pill reps already knew all this.

My original question. Does anybody know the timing of the vaccine expansion? I can help you all succeed if you are smart enough to learn from me.

My manager told me today what is going on with the vaccine expansion and guess what, your not going to get the fucking info from me. Why in the hell would a Novartis rep(s) who wants these jobs as well, give you this info? Are you serious? If you such a good and resourceful rep, find out on your own otherwise go troll somewhere else.

 

[Anonymous]

Anyone know the timing of your vaccine sales force expansion? I am trying to get out of GSK with 5 years vaccine experience in midwest.
Thanx

Yes, of course. You will be the FIRST person I reach out to. Care to leave me your email address and/or cell phone number so that I can get that very valuable information to you?

 

[Anonymous]

Very good question, how did I learn the vaccine business. If you were reading some of my posts above you would understand.

I said above a new sales team would need a mix to be fair to current Novartis & still be succesful. When I switched from tablets I was a new member in a district that had people with one to ten or more years experience with vaccines!

That is how I learned, from others with EXPERIENCE! That is why you NEED people who have been in the business to help make Menveo successful. It will be the third meningitis shot on the market.

If you have team of all tablet reps selling against a team of vaccine reps the product will never make it. Again, if I read the PI on Diovan am I then able to discuss with a cardioligist the finer points of it versus its competitors because I really really want to?

You don't even know who makes the brand decision on vaccines until you have worked through the maze of influence. The MD many times does not make the decision. You need nurses & admin & sometimes pharmacy people to work through for a decision. Vaccines are a business & medical decision. Contracting is HUGE, but I am sure you pill reps already knew all this.

My original question. Does anybody know the timing of the vaccine expansion? I can help you all succeed if you are smart enough to learn from me.

"Smart enough to learn from you"? Your not going to win any favors from us calling us out like that, loser! Find out yourself.

 

[Anonymous]

The OP is correct, and since Novaritis is trying to swipe GSK vaccine sales directors, you can bet that those people will also want to have reps who know the business working for them as well. Although why someone would leave a division with multiple vaccines to sell now and more in pipeline would be difficult to understand, (unless they can't sell), cause the money is about the same as a total package.

Do you work for Novartis? I'm asking because how would you know or could you know that Novartis is "supposedly" trying to swipe GSK vaccine sales directors? What is your knowledge level of this?

 

[Anonymous]

I would consider myself a pretty well informed vaccine industry insider who has worked for both GSK and Merck (not a sales rep), here is my perspective on the Novartis vaccine situation. First, let me say I understand what the Novartis pharma reps are thinking at this point and this post is not to attack them or burst their hope of getting those new vaccine jobs. Rather, my post is too add to the meaningful discussion. I certainly can't blame any pharma rep for hoping this is their opportunity to get out of being a pharma rep and into a growing vaccine market that has more direct sales responsibility and is a safer place due to robust pipelines, especially the one at Novartis.
My thoughts are that Novartis is going to get this expansion right, let me explain further. I really feel they are going to hire the right people with the right mix of experience (private and public sector vaccine experience) and learn from the mistakes of other companies and their commercial models and vaccine product launches. They clearly have taken their time with the expansion so they don't jump the gun like Merck and even GSK, having people doing market development for 6 months with no product. They also have already cherry picked PED marketing talent from Merck to head up Menveo (I am not naming names or initials but those who work inside at Merck know who it is) I won't go into detail on the other mistakes at Merck but any Merck vaccine person reading this knows exactly what I am referring too in the sense of ruining a great division by mixing pharma and vaccines together and bringing in pharma leadership with zero vaccine experience. GSK apparently is shaking things up as well but is faced with issues due to product delays etc.
It will also be no surprise to see a certain recently displaced senior level person from Merck Vaccines as one of the directors of sales. In fact sources I have nearly confirmed that one of the three directors is in fact a former Merck Ped SBD (again not naming names) who will run the West region. With that said, I agree totally with the poster who points out the differences of pharma vs. vaccines, and to my point of Novartis getting this right, I think that the new vaccine Novartis district managers will consist of Merck, GSK, and SA vaccine managers. It will be easy to find Ped and PCP vaccine managers at Merck who are willing to leave for the shear opportunity of being in a small division again, new leadership and having new product bonus potential again which was so nice during all of Merck's vaccine launches. I am sure the same can be said for GSK vaccine managers who want a change or see the HPV battle as already lost due to delay perceptions. Perhaps they keep a few high potential Novartis pharma managers who have an interest in the job or an inside connection. It is my opinion though that pharma reps with no vaccine experience have little to no chance since it is my belief that the district managers and directors know the unique differences between pharma/vaccines and will not make that mistake. In this job environment and with all the vaccine experience that will likely apply for the jobs it would make no sense to hire a pharma rep and wait 6-8 months for them to figure it out and learn the in's and out's of the vaccine business. There is also instant credibility going into an office with vaccine knowledge. During Merck's expansion they moved pharma people over and while some "got it" and loved it when it came to selling vaccines, many people struggled with the transition and didn't like closing a customer for an order of x doses on the spot and preferred the softer pharma sale and being in clusters of 4 people with very limited direct accountability. In vaccines, numbers are instant and you likely the only person promoting your product so there is no hiding and waiting 3 months for data. There are going to be people, likely pharma reps, who disagree with me and thats fine, I would just simply say you are grossly misinformed of the differences of pharma/vaccines. I do recognize there are really good sales people "stuck" in pharma sales and I feel your pain, for I was in your position back in the day but was very lucky to break out with persistence, luck, politics and performance.
This will be an interesting case study looking back to see if Novartis gets this right, again I think they will. However, if they don't get it right, they have no one to blame because they had the talent pool and recent launch examples to model and learn from. I wish everyone luck in these challenging times and for those who apply and don't the jobs at Novartis, remember that the vaccine reps and managers from GSK, SA, and Merck will likely need to be replaced so there will still be opportunities to get into vaccines elsewhere. Good luck!

 

[Anonymous]

Interesting perspective, good post. I think this person is right. It seems all the problems at GSK and Merck will give us the ability to pick off their top vaccine sales people. I am a recently hired (within past year) pharma rep and look at this as a part time job because I have kids and a high earning significant other. I wouldn't want all that pressure from launching a new vaccine and honestly admit to the fact I like having little accountability. They should just make sure they don't get the kool-aid drinking robots I have seen at both GSK and Merck. If they weed out the bad and get the good, I welcome them to Novartis with open arms! Cheers everyone, happy holidays!