Flu’s Shot in the Arm
Preparing your child for the flu shot after years of FluMist®
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Health Tip of the WeekPublished on
Health Tip of the WeekIf you’re like most parents, you were thrilled when the intranasal influenza vaccine, known as FluMist®, was released. The nasal spray flu vaccine was a way to protect your child against influenza without another shot.
Unfortunately, due to its decreased effectiveness over the past few years, FluMist is not recommended for use in the United States during the 2016-2017 flu season. The traditional flu shot is effective and recommended for everyone age 6 months and older to prevent influenza and decrease the risk of complications.
“Over the last three years, FluMist has dramatically underperformed the inactivated vaccine,” says Paul A. Offit, MD, director of the Vaccine Education Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
During the 2015-2016 season, FluMist was estimated to prevent flu in only about 3 percent of cases. Scientists and doctors are investigating the reasons for the decline in effectiveness of this vaccine. Dr. Offit says he’s hopeful that a nasal spray flu vaccine will again be available in the future.
5 tips for flu shots
For children used to receiving the inhaled FluMist, the idea of a flu shot may produce anxiety and worry. Here are five ways you can help your child cope.
To learn more about the situation with FluMist, watch a video where Dr. Offit discusses the recent developments. To find out more about influenza and the influenza vaccine, read the Vaccine Education Center’s influenza Q&A sheet.
Categories: Flu
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