New Study Confirms Flu Shot More Effective Than Prior Nasal Spray Vaccine

When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) re-approved use of the nasal spray flu vaccine for the 2018-2019 flu season, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a recommendation that the nasal spray vaccine only be used as a “last resort” due to its low rate of effectiveness in prior years. Now, a recent study has confirmed that prior formulations of the nasal spray flu vaccine were indeed less effective than the traditional flu shot.

As reported by CNN, “[A]mong children, the nasal spray appeared to have reduced effectiveness against the flu, compared with the shot, in past flu seasons, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics. . . . After combining data from all flu seasons, the researchers found that vaccine effectiveness against any type of flu virus was 51% for the inactivated flu shot vs. 26% for the nasal spray.”

While these statistics are noteworthy for parents, there were some limitations to the study. Most notably, the study relied on effectiveness data from prior seasons. The study’s authors also acknowledged that they were, “limited by sample size in some . . . analyses.” Since the study did not include nasal spray vaccine recipients from the 2018-2019 flu season and the nasal spray flu vaccine for the current season consists of a new formula, it remains to be seen whether the new version of FluMist is an improvement over the prior version.

Ultimately, the general advice regarding flu immunization is the same. As stated by Dr. Tanya Altmann, a pediatrician quoted by CNN, “We know hands-down that getting any flu vaccine is better than getting no flu vaccine. So[,] talk to your pediatrician or your doctor about what’s available this season.”

Flu Shot Shoulder Injury Risks for Children, Teens and Adults

While the effectiveness of the current nasal spray flu vaccine remains to be determined, there are some important potential benefits to a replacement to the traditional flu shot. For example, like all injected vaccines, the annual flu shot carries a risk for shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). There are multiple forms of SIRVA, including rotator cuff tears, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), bursitis and tendonitis, and each carries its own list of symptoms and potential complications.

For tips on avoiding SIRVA and protecting yourself or your loved ones if they experience shoulder pain after a flu shot, you can read: Preventing Shoulder Pain After Vaccine Injection.

Seeking Financial Compensation for Flu Shot Shoulder Injuries

Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), individuals diagnosed with SIRVA and other flu shot-related injuries and illnesses can secure financial compensation for their medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. The VICP is a federal program that provides no-fault compensation, and it allows flu shot recipients to recover their losses without the need to file a lawsuit against a major pharmaceutical manufacturer.

At the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, we provide no-cost legal representation for vaccine injury claims nationwide. To learn more in a free and confidential consultation, please call 202-800-1711 or inquire online today.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.