PAS: FluMist works with one shot or two

A study showed that children who only receive one of the two recommended shots of a live attenuated flu vaccine still receive significant protection.

MedImmune's study of 3,200 unvaccinated children ages three years and younger compared receiving the two recommended doses of its FluMist to only one dose. (The product is only indicated for those over 2.) The efficacy rates were 74% and 58%, respectively. Both groups then received the single recommended shot, and efficacy rates were comparable -- 74% and 65%, respectively.

MedImmune aims to have its yearly live, attenuated influenza vaccine available by August. If pediatricians started administering flu shots with well visits in August, instead of later in the year, the company research estimated an extra 10.7 million children could be immunized.

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