First nasal vaccine approved in Canada to prevent seasonal influenza

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AstraZeneca Canada Inc. announces that Health Canada has approved FluMist® (Influenza Vaccine, Live, Attenuated) for the prevention of seasonal influenza.

FluMist is the first vaccine in Canada that is administered as a gentle mist sprayed into the nose.

This needle-free administration method allows for the vaccine to enter the nose where the influenza virus usually enters the body, inducing protective immunity.

Additionally, clinical studies have shown that, compared to the injectable vaccine, FluMist demonstrates greater effectiveness against matched and mismatched strains in children two to 17 years of age and guards against late outbreaks of infection. In children two to five years of age, FluMist reduced the number of influenza cases by more than 50 per cent, compared to the injectable vaccine.

“Seasonal influenza remains the most common vaccine-preventable disease in the developed world. Despite the fact that the flu is a serious illness that in addition to causing people to miss significant time at work, school and with their families and friends can sometimes lead to death, we continue to see low vaccination rates here in Canada,” said Dr. David Greenberg, general practitioner, Toronto. “With the introduction of FluMist, it’s encouraging to see another vaccine option to help reduce the overall burden of seasonal flu in Canada.”

FluMist is administered annually, and is approved for the prevention of seasonal influenza in Canadians two to 59 years of age. FluMist has been used in the U.S. since 2003.

“FluMist is sprayed directly into the nose – the site of infection – which simplifies the vaccination process for both healthcare professional and patient, particularly children,” said Dr. Greenberg. “Parents won’t have to worry about their children being afraid of the needle and can be reassured by the data that supports the effectiveness of FluMist.”