Flumist or Injected Vaccine?
Recent media reports of a study showing that injected seasonal flu
vaccine is more effective than Flumist has raised questions about
which to choose.
Previous studies in both adults and children have shown Flumist to be
more effective, covering more strains of flu and providing longer
lasting immunity. The data from this recent study strongly suggest
that the tested injected vaccine is superior to Flumist IN ADULTS. It
is important to note that injectable flu vaccine is manufactured by
several different companies and they are not identical, they appear to
be equivalent.
Because of the earlier data suggesting that Flumist is a better
vaccine, we continue to recommend Flumist for children. The best
choice for adults under age 50 is less clear and our only
recommendation for adults is that they get one or the other vaccine.
Although new data is emerging every day, we expect the same analysis
to apply to novel H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine as well.