The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the use of FluMist for the first time in two years.
“It’s only recommended for persons between the ages of 2 and 49,” Matt Linam, MD, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, told 11Alive. “It’s not recommended if you’re pregnant or immune suppressed or if you have a significant history of asthma or wheezing.”
While the nasal spray may be attractive for needle-averse individuals, FluMist is not available everywhere, according to the report. Several pharmacists at RiteAid and CVS stores in an Atlanta suburb told 11Alive they don’t have FluMist in stock and do not plan to carry the nasal vaccine this year.
AstraZeneca said it intends to manufacture 2.7 million doses of FluMist for this flu season, and the first vaccine shipment went out in late September.
“Since the renewed ACIP recommendation, we worked diligently to ensure as much supply as possible is available in the U.S. for the 2018-19 flu season despite the complex and unique manufacturing process,” a company spokesperson told 11Alive.
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