That study uses nasal sprays to deliver flu vaccinations that to date have been given by syringe. The three-year study will demonstrate whether immunizing school children and preschool children will significantly reduce medically attended illnesses not only for vaccinated children but for unvaccinated children in their age group, for younger and older contacts in the same household, and for younger and older community contacts regardless of immunization status. With one year of research complete, he reports that 4,300 children ages 8 months to 18 years were vaccinated with the nasal spray. All of the children were from Temple, Texas, where Scott and White Clinic is located, and their parents volunteered their children's participation in the study. During the next phase of the study, he and his fellow researchers will request that the children are revaccinated and will seek additional test subjects.
Immunity lasts more than one year but the viruses change.
Glezen hopes to immunize 15,000 children by the study's conclusion. Meanwhile, the drug manufacturer will be sending its application to the Federal Drug Administration. If your child is not feeling well, your physician is the best person to consult about whether he or she can go to school. Common sense, concern for your child's well-being, and the possibility of infecting classmates should all contribute to the decision about whether your child should stay home. If your child has been ill but is feeling better, yet has still awakened with minor problems such as a runny nose or slight headache, you can send him or her to school if none of the three circumstances above is present.