June 17, 2003 -- The FDA has approved FluMist (influenza virus vaccine live, intranasal), the first influenza vaccine delivered as a nasal mist available in the United States for healthy people.  The FDA pointed out that FluMist, indicated for active immunization for the prevention of disease caused by influenza A and B viruses in healthy children and adolescents, 5-17 years of age, and healthy adults, 18-49 years of age, is manufactured and marketed by MedImmune Vaccines, and is co-marketed by Wyeth Vaccines.  The FDA indicates that FluMist does not protect 100% of individuals vaccinated, or protect against viral strains not represented in the vaccine. It is not indicated for children under 5 years or for adults aged 50 and over. FluMist is contraindicated in persons with hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including eggs; in children and adolescents receiving aspirin therapy or aspirin-containing therapy; in individuals with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome; and in individuals with known or suspected immune deficiency. The safety and efficacy of FluMist have not been established in pregnant women or for patients with chronic underlying medical conditions, including asthma or reactive airway disease; the vaccine should not be administered to these patients.

This editorial should not be approved for publication because it doesn’t give detailed information on the FDA indication for FluMist, Flu vaccine, or the documented contra indications to giving this vaccine to patients as listed above. 

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