Nasal flu vaccine given the green light for toddlers

A federal advisory panel in the U.S. has given the recommendation that a nasal influenza vaccine can be use in healthy children as young as two.

The recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) concerning FluMist follows the expanded approval of the vaccine's use passed last month by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The approval follows the results of a study which showed FluMist to be safe and effective in children as young as 2.

FluMist gained it's initial approval in 2003 for use in healthy people ages 5 to 49 and is the only influenza vaccine on the market which is administered through the nose and not as an injection.

The ACIP panel advises children with a history of asthma or wheezing not to use FluMist but opt instead for the injection and does not recommend FluMist above flu jabs.

Flu jabs are still recommended for children ages 6 months to 5 years and those over 50 as well as other groups at risk for flu complications; FluMist is seen as another option for young children who may fear injections.

The panel also agreed for FluMist to be added to the federal program which pays for vaccines for uninsured or low-income children up to age 19.

The vote ensures the vaccine will available immediately to be used by the federal vaccine program.

A dose of FluMist costs about the same as the cost of a flu jab, around $18 and one dose is recommended annually.