The CDC sighted evidence of poor effectiveness of FluMist in the U.S. over that last several influenza seasons. This comes after the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) came to the same conclusion a week earlier and recommended children not receive FluMist for 2016-2017 flu season.

The announcement is important for our community as FluMist has been a popular alternative to Flu Shots, especially in children. Approximately 25,000 doses of FluMist were already pre-booked throughout the Intermountain system.

Intermountain Healthcare is preparing for the change by ordering additional supply of the injectable vaccine before the 2016-2017 Flu Season hits. There are safe, approved alternatives to FluMist for children 6 months and up. Sanofl: Fluzone is approved for ages 6 months and older and GSK: FluLaval is approved for ages 3 years and older. A second option for children 6 months and older is also under review by the FDA and may be approved for the 2016-2017 flu season. Every year the influenza virus affects millions of people in the United States and leads to tens of thousands of deaths. The CDC recommends that everyone get a flu shot every year to protect against the flu. With the current recommendations Intermountain Healthcare is recommending that our communities receive an injectable vaccine this flu season. We will continue to update our communities on flu vaccine information. If you would like more information please visit the CDC website or speak with your primary care physician. You can also follow Intermountain Healthcare on your favorite social media channels for information about when Intermountain Clinics, Pharmacies and Hospitals will be offering flu shots this fall.