Federal officials encourage flu shots, not FluMist spray

“It’s a surprising finding, and we really do hope we can get an effective nasal vaccine or nasal spray back on the market,” Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters and other health experts during the government’s 20th annual flu press conference in Washington D.C.

While the reasons that FluMist has failed to provide protection are unclear — Frieden did say they have a few theories — government officials based this year’s decision on studies that showed the nasal spray showed almost no effectiveness during the last three seasons.

Flu vaccine manufacturers generally try to base the vaccine for the upcoming season in the Northern hemisphere on what strains were circulating in the Southern hemisphere.

“A vaccine that is at least partially protective is better than no vaccine at all,” said vaccine expert Dr. Wilbur Chen, associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, at the press conference.

While coverage data showed vaccination rates for children remained steady, health officials were concerned about a drop in immunization rates for adults aged 50 to 64 years old.

While physicians could not explain the drop in rates for older Americans, they stressed the need for all people — but particularly the elderly, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems — to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

The other, which is licensed for people aged 65 and older, includes an an ingredient that helps boost the immune system, which is less robust in older adults.

“Twenty years ago, flu vaccine recommendations were limited to people aged 65 and older and certain high-risk populations,” said Dr. William Schaffner, medical director for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.