FDA approves FluMist for upcoming flu season
by Clyde Hughes · UPISept. 20 (UPI) -- The Food and Drug Administration announced on Friday an approval of a new self- and caregiver-administered nose spray against the flu.
The FDA said FluMist, which can be used for children 2- to 5-years-old, does not need to be administered by a physician.
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"Today's approval of the first influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration provides a new option for receiving a safe and effective seasonal influenza vaccine potentially with greater convenience, flexibility and accessibility for individuals and families," Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement.
"Getting vaccinated each year is the best way to prevent influenza, which causes illness in a substantial proportion of the U.S. population every year and may result in serious complications."
Marks said those complications include hospitalizations and death.
The FDA said the most commonly reported side effects of FluMist are a fever of more than 100 degrees in children 2-6, and a runny nose and nasal congestion in individuals aged 2 through 49.
The flu is a common and contagious respiratory disease that is caused by influenza viruses that typically circulate the most during the fall and winter in the United States.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal flu activity remains low nationally but the centers continue to recommend vaccinations as long as the virus continues to spread. Adults 65 and older, those with chronic health conditions and pregnant females continue to be the most vulnerable for the flu.