FDA Approves FluMist for Young Children

Needles can be scary-especially when you're a child. But now the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends new ways to administer the Flu vaccine in children.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently voted to expand the influenza nasal spray, FluMist, to children ages 2 to 5. Before, the vaccine had been limited to only healthy children starting at the age of 5, and for adults, up to the age of 50.

The CDC recommends that all children from 6 months to 5 years of age receive some type of flu vaccination.

Until recently, only two vaccinations have been licensed for this age group. One called, Fluzone, which is available to people six months and older. The second, Fluvirin, is meant for ages 4 and older.

What is Flu Mist?

Flu Mist is a nasal spray that contains a weakened form of the influenza virus. By taking it, you are preparing your body to defend itself against such viruses during the Flu season.

The FDA approves the lowered age limit for children getting the nasal vaccination based on three separate studies. All three studies show that FluMist effectively prevented the flu. There were however mild effects, such as runny noses or a mild fever in children ages 2 to 6.

But while FluMist was successful in most cases, the CDC warns it is not for everyone. It is not for children or adults with asthma or chronic wheezing. Taking FluMist could only worsen such conditions.

FluMist is also not meant for children under the age of 2. The same studies show that it was this age group that experienced increased rates of hospitalization and wheezing after FluMist was administered.

Before getting a flu vaccination, you should consult a doctor to see what is right for you and your child. It is not for everyone, and alternatives do exist.