CDC: FluMist not recommended for best flu protection

Thursday, June 22, 2017
CDC: FluMist not recommended for best flu protection
CDC: FluMist not recommended for best flu protection. Ali Gorman reports during Action News at 5 p.m. on June 22, 2017.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- You'll need to roll up your sleeve to get the best flu protection this upcoming season.

A CDC panel has recommended against using the FluMist nasal spray again.

FluMist is popular for those who don't like needles, especially children.

But last year, the CDC said it shouldn't be used because it only protected 46-percent of the time, compared to 65-percent for shots.

Overall, the agency is urging everyone 6 months or older to get the flu vaccine.

Last year, the vaccine was only 25-percent effective for senior citizens, but it did cut hospitalizations down by more than a third.

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