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A painless alternative the influenza vaccine for children is the new, reformulated Flu Mist.
Just last month, the U.S Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the nasal influenza vaccine, commonly called Flu Mist, for healthy children ages 2-4 years old (24-59 months) without a history of recurrent wheezing, as well as for healthy persons ages 5-49 years who are not pregnant. Previously, approval was for healthy persons ages 5-49 years who are not pregnant.
If you’re not familiar with the Flu Mist yet, like how effective it is, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides these Q&A that may help you decide better.
How effective is the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMist®)?
In one large study among children aged 15-85 months, the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMist®) reduced the chance of influenza illness by 92% compared with placebo. In a study among adults, the participants were not specifically tested for influenza. However, the study found 19% fewer severe febrile respiratory tract illnesses, 24% fewer respiratory tract illnesses with fever, 23-27% fewer days of illness, 13-28% fewer lost work days, 15-41% fewer health care provider visits, and 43-47% less use of antibiotics compared with placebo.
Who should not be vaccinated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMist®)?
- People less than 2 years of age
- People 50 years of age and over
- People with a medical condition that places them at high risk for complications from influenza, including those with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma or reactive airways disease; people with medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure; or people with illnesses that weaken the immune system, or who take medications that can weaken the immune system.
- Children <5 years old with a history of recurrent wheezing
- Children or adolescents receiving aspirin
- People with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder of the nervous system
- Pregnant women
What side effects are associated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMist®)?
In children, side effects can include runny nose, headache, wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. In adults, side effects can include runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. Fever is not a common side effect in adults receiving the nasal-spray flu vaccine.
If a child under the age of 9 years is getting influenza vaccine for the first time and requires 2 doses, does the same type of vaccine have to be used for both doses?
No, the first and second doses do not have to match; live or inactivated vaccine can be used for either dose. The doses should be separated by at least one month.
Answers to the questions below and more can be found at the CDC site here:
- Should the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMist®) be given to patients with chronic diseases other than those specifically listed above?
- Are there any contraindications to giving breastfeeding mothers LAIV (FluMist®)?
- Can the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMist®) be given to patients when they are ill?
Tags: flu, influenza, season, flu mist, nasal-spray, vaccine, vaccination, immunization, CDC, recommendations, children, healthy, toddlers
you’re welcome Cheryl. Flu-mist is not for children below 2 years old, but as the FDA and CDC now say, it’s ok for older toddlers. Mine hasn’t tried it yet, since she takes well to the shots and doesn’t get traumatized by it.
I am very familiar with the advantages of Flu-Mist in minimizing the chances of children getting the flu. I was not familiar with the results for toddlers. The administration via the nose is much easier than the threatening aspects of a needle. Thanks for the supporting data.
1663 days ago
[...] Grace put an intriguing blog post on Flu Mist vaccine OK for healthy toddlers.Here’s a quick excerpt:In children, side effects can include runny nose, headache, wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. In adults, side effects can include runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. Fever is not a common side effect in adults … [...]
1664 days ago
[...] full story here [...]
1664 days ago
[...] Flu Mist vaccine OK for healthy toddlers [...]
1664 days ago
[...] Grace placed an interesting blog post on Flu Mist vaccine OK for healthy toddlers.Here’s a brief overview:Just last month, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the nasal influenza vaccine, commonly called Flu Mist, for healthy children ages 2-4 years old (24-59 months) without a history of recurrent wheezing, … [...]
1664 days ago
[...] Grace placed an observative post today on Flu Mist vaccine OK for healthy toddlers.Here’s a quick excerpt:Just last month, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the nasal influenza vaccine, commonly called Flu Mist, for healthy children ages 2-4 years old (24-59 months) without a history of recurrent wheezing, … [...]