No-Shot Flu Vaccine OK'd for Tots

Oct. 24, 2007 -- Kids as young as 2 can get a needle-free, nasal-spray flu vaccine -- if they don't have asthma, the U.S. vaccine advisory committee says.

The vaccine, sold as FluMist by MedImmune, contains a live flu virus that is too weak to cause illness.

There's some evidence that FluMist works better than traditional flu shots. But like flu shots, FluMist must be given once a year.

The vaccine was previously approved for kids 5 and older and for adults under age 50. The unanimous vote by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which sets U.S. vaccination policies, follows the FDA approval of FluMist for sale to 2- to 5-year-olds.

Like regular flu shots, kids allergic to eggs can't take FluMist.

And kids with asthma should not use the vaccine. Before giving the vaccine, providers will ask parents, "In the past 12 months, has a health care provider ever told you that your child had wheezing or asthma?" If so, the provider will offer a flu shot instead.

The ACIP also voted that a government program that pays for child vaccines should also cover FluMist.