Exploring Safety and Effectiveness of Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine -- available as an injection or a nasal spray -- offers protection against the flu. Although it’s been available since 2003, the nasal spray form of the flu vaccine, known as Flu Mist, has not gained widespread acceptance. In the January issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Mayo Clinic researchers review current research analyzing the nasal vaccine and explain that much of the hesitancy about its use appears to stem from unsubstantiated fears and misperceptions, rather than research data. Addressing five pervasive misconceptions about the nasal vaccine, Mayo researchers conclude that current research shows that nasal spray flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent flu in healthy, nonpregnant adults and children ages 2 years and older.-Mayo Clinic