FDA approves FluMist in expanded pediatric population

On September 19‚ the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the intranasal influenza vaccine FluMist in children ages 2 to 5 years. The vaccine was previously approved for children ages 5 years and older.

“This approval offers parents and health professionals a needle-free option for squeamish toddlers‚ who may be reluctant to get a traditional influenza shot,” said Jesse L. Goodman‚ MD‚ director‚ of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

According to the FDA‚ only two flu vaccines had been previously licensed for use in the US for children under 5. FluMist should not be given to anyone with asthma‚ or to children under the age of 5 with recurrent wheezing‚ due to the potential of increased wheezing after vaccine administration.