Intranasal vaccine for prevention of influenza in children.
The current strategy for combating the yearly toll of influenza is to protect the highest-risk individuals through annual immunization. Despite its effectiveness, the inactivated influenza vaccine is underused, and no substantial decrease in influenza-related morbidity and mortality has occurred during the past two decades. Increasing recognition of (1) the high rate of influenza and the substantial morbidity it causes in otherwise healthy children and (2) the dominant role of children in community transmission of the influenza virus has led to the proposal for routine immunization of healthy children. This strategy would both reduce the medical burden of influenza in children and limit the spread of the disease. FluMist, because of its ease of administration, tolerability, and safety, is well suited for mass immunization. The success of such an immunization policy will, however, be predicated on addressing organizational and logistical challenges. Pharmacists will be key in developing the educational foundation and organizational framework for such expanded coverage.
Hartzema
Abraham G
AG
Department of Pharmacy Health Care Administration, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, HPNP 3-339, PO Box 100496, Gainesville, FL 32610-0496, USA.
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D032541:Mass Vaccination / Q000458:organization & administration; D010595:Pharmacists; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D024382:Professional Role
D007252:Influenza Vaccines