QuestionDear Doctor, we all know the flu vaccine for this year is in short supply. My wife and I are seniors over the so-called 65 year limit. It has been suggested that we take an alternative flu vaccine that is in spray form thru the nostrils. I read somewhere that seniors should not use this as to its ineffectivness. I have posted a similiar message with our state health dept. but have received no reply. Should we use this method or not or possibly wait for for vaccine using the traditional method.
Sincerely,
Austin Meyer
AnswerAustin,
The FluMist alternative has only been out a short time and due to FDA requirements has not met testing requirements to be deemed safe for all. Therefore the manufacturer must label the product for limited use in younger patients and healthy health care workers.
The commercially sold nasal spray called FluMist vaccine, a product of MedImmune approved last year for healthy non-pregnant people ages 5-49. FluMist contains weakened live virus so those at the highest risk for flu complications cannot use it. Thus if you are 50 and older it is not approved by the FDA or recommended by the CDC.
When the viruses are sprayed into the nose, they stimulate the bodys immune system to develop protective antibodies that will prevent infection by naturally occurring influenza viruses. The nasal spray flu vaccine will not cause severe symptoms.
This intranasally administered live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), where available, the CDC is encouraging for health care workers and for persons with lesser degrees of immunosuppression (e.g., persons with diabetes, persons with asthma taking corticosteroids, persons infected with HIV), and persons caring for children younger than six months of age.
Would recommend the traditional IM administered killed virus preparation. Maybe next year it will be approved for seniors.
JP Saleeby, MD
