Age range for FluMist expanded
FDA approves expanded age range for FluMist influenza vaccine.
The FDA has agreed to expand the appropriate age for FluMist, the nasal influenza vaccine from MedImmune, to include children as young as two years old. Previously the vaccine was limited for use in children five years of age up to adults age 49. FluMist contains a weakened live virus and should not be administered to anyone with asthma or children under the age of five who have recurrent wheezing due to the potential for increased wheezing after receiving the vaccine. The other two vaccines licensed for use in children under the age of five include Fluzone (Sanofi Pasteur) and Fluvirin (Novartis). According to CDC, rates of influenza-related hospitalizations in children under the age of five are similar to those in patients aged 50 to 64 years, indicating the need for improved influenza protection.
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