The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended use of the FluMist Quadrivalent nasal spray influenza vaccine in the next influenza season. Starting 2 years ago, healthcare providers have been urged to not use that vaccine because the CDC said there was a lack of efficacy in preventing influenza. However, the new ACIP recommendation comes on the heals of a U.S. study in young children that found vaccines containing a 2017–2018 strain of H1N1 influenza virus performed better than the 2015–2016 strain. Whether having a “pain free” option again will encourage more people to get vaccinated next year remains to be seen.
In the Midst of a Bad Season, CDC Reverses Course on Nasal Flu Vaccine—for Next Year