Flu Spray Vaccine Better Than Shots in Kids
A recent study reported that the nasal flu spray appears to be better than a shot in the arm or thigh for protecting young children against the flu. The study involved 7,852 children between 6 to 59 months of age in 16 countries who received either the flu vaccine or spray. There were 54% fewer cases of culture confirmed influenza in the group that received the nasal spray (New England Journal of Medicine February 15, 2007). The only cautionary note was that there were slightly more hospitalization in the group children younger than 1 year old, and in children with a history of wheezing illness. The authors concluded that the spray appears favorable among children 12 to 47 months of age who have no history of wheezing. Dr. Robert Belshe, chief investigator of the study and Professor at St. Louis commented “ For majority of the children it appears that the nasal vaccine is a better choice”.
The influenza virus kills an average of 36,000 Americans every year, and up to 500,000 globally. Annual vaccination during the season is the key for prevention of the disease. The traditional flu shot is made from killed flu viruses, while the spray vaccine is made from weakened live viruses. The shot stimulates production of flu-fighting antibodies in the blood; the spray vaccine stimulates production of antibodies in the blood and nose.
Currently, the spray is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the age group 5 to 49. It is expected that the findings would lead to FDA approval of the spray use in younger children. Medimmune, the maker of the spray has petitioned the FDA to approve the nasal vaccine for children between the ages 1 and 5 years old who do not have a previous history of wheezing and asthma. Unlike the old formulation, the new version of the spray is not required to be stored in the freezer. It can be stored in refrigerators easing the way for use by the schools, doctors and pharmacists.
Majority of the clinicians believe that the successful control of annual influenza epidemics depends on vaccinating a high proportion of young children. The flu spray offers high acceptability because of the mode of administration and in addition, the current study demonstrated higher efficacy than conventional shots. More widespread vaccination of children would also be a boon for parents since the virus spreads very fast in day care centers and schools. If approved by the FDA, the vaccine should be available in time for the 2007-2008 flu season.
