When it comes to flu vaccines, a federal panel says a squirt in the nose is better than a shot in the arm for young children.
The advisory panel agreed Wednesday to tell doctors that FluMist nasal spray is a bit better at preventing flu in healthy young kids. The advice is specific to children ages 2 through 8.
Federal health officials usually adopt the panel's recommendations and ask doctors and patients to follow them.
A pediatricians' group, however, opposes the move. The group says FluMist is more expensive and doctors have already ordered their vaccine doses for the fall flu season.
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months old. The nasal spray version is approved only for ages 2 to 49.
More information: Vaccine panel: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip
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