What is this new intranasal vaccine called “Flu Mist”?
Influenza virus infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in the United States each year. Prevention of influenza relies primarily on annual vaccination of persons at elevated risk for complications from influenza infection. Until recently, only inactivated influenza vaccine administered by intramuscular injection was available for use in the United States.On June 17, 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an intranasal, trivalent, cold-adapted, live, attenuated influenza vaccine for use in healthy persons aged ages 2 49 years. (the shot nurse only gives ages 4-49) Children age 3 and under need to receive at pediatric office. The newly approved vaccine provides an important new option for vaccinating healthy persons 5-49 years of age who either wish to avoid influenza or are in close contact with persons at high risk for developing serious complications from influenza infection. Flu Mist is a great alternative for person who do not like shots. Because it is a
