James C. King, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland Medical Center, presented the data on May 6 at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in Washington, D.C. Study results also were published in the April abstract issue of Pediatric Research Journal. We found the vaccine delivered good antibody responses, whether it was given through nose drops or the nasal spray, says Dr. King, the principal investigator of the study. It proved not only to be safe but much more accepted by children because they did not need to have a flu shot. Although most people who receive flu vaccinations are adults, children with chronic diseases such as asthma also routinely receive flu shots. If more children could receive this type of protection against the flu, it could help stop the spread of the disease in the rest of the community, according to Dr. King.
Children can easily spread the flu virus.
If we can prevent them from getting sick, we may have a profound impact in breaking the chain of transmission. Dr. King adds that the new vaccine potentially could be offered to adults in the future. The flu also has a significant economic cost, estimated in the billions of dollars per year in doctor visits and days lost from work, according to Dr. King. The study included 356 children between the ages of 18 months and six years, who received the nasal vaccine or a placebo. The vaccine contained three live, weakened influenza virus strains that stimulate antibodies, which the body uses to fight the infection.