CDC advisory committee recommends expanded age for FluMist approval

WASHINGTON The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that FluMist, a nasal influenza vaccine made by AstraZeneca be allowed for use in healthy children as young as two.

The panel advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vaccine is the only influenza vaccine on the market that is not a shot. The CDC recommends that all children ages six to 59 months be vaccinated annually to protect them against influenza.

The panel’s recommendations are given to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for final approval and usually trigger private insurance companies to cover vaccines, even though influenza vaccines usually aren’t covered.