The researchers also found that the nasal flu vaccinations reduced the incidence of influenza-related complications, such as ear infections accompanied by fever. There was also a decreased use of antibiotics in the group that was vaccinated, which is important because of concern over the emergence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The new vaccine is made from a weakened influenza virus. While it cannot cause influenza, it is designed to stimulate antibodies in the nasal passage that protect against naturally acquired infection. The flu affects up to 50 million people a year in the United States.
Epidemics usually occur between late fall and early spring.
More than 20,000 people die from influenza and its complications each year. By the age of five, many children have had the flu at least three times. The company has named the new product FluMist. The next step would be for Aviron to apply to the FDA for licensure. Scientists at the University of Michigan, NIH and Aviron developed the new vaccine.