CDC recommends nasal flu spray vaccine for children

Amarillo, TX - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending a specific flu vaccine for kids ages 2-8.

Although there haven't been very many documented cases of the flu in the area so far, Doctor's say it's right around the corner and parents should vaccinate their kids now.

Amanda Griffin of Texas Tech Physicians said this is the first year that the CDC has made any recommendation for one flu shot instead of another, if available.

"So this year they've recommended that at ages 2 through 8, if it's available, you get the nasal flu mist instead of the flu shot," Griffin said.

The nasal mist is made with a living virus that has been weakened, unlike the flu shot that is made with a killed virus. In year's past, the CDC did not recommend one flu vaccine over the other, however after studying the effects of the nasal spray in ages 2-8, results showed the mist prevented 50 percent more flu cases than the flu shot.

Officials said this is because the nasal spray shows a better response in the upper respiratory tract in these age groups. However, there are some children who cannot take the spray and should instead get the shot.

"Children who are ages 2 through 4 who have asthma or wheezing in the past twelve months should not have the flu mist," Griffin said. "Immunity compromised patients should not have the flu mist, and kids on aspirin should not have the flu mist."

Doctors suggest people of all ages should get some type of flu vaccination to prevent the spread of what can be a deadly virus.

"Even though the flu mist is recommended ages 2-8, if available, if it's not available where you are at, go ahead and get the flu shot," Griffin said. "There's no need to delay the flu immunization. just to wait for the flu mist."

In order to see whether any type of flu vaccine is right for you or your child, speak to your primary physician for recommended dosages and methods.