With flu vaccine in short supply, there is a brand new immunization technology available just in time. FluMist is FDA-approved for use by healthy people ages 5-49 and is the only influenza vaccine delivered as a nasal mist – a plus for those who choose not to get vaccinated against the flu because of a fear of needles and shots.

FluMist uses a live but weakened virus, administered to help develop immunity. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will publish its guidelines and recommendations on the vaccine in the fall. As more information becomes available on FluMist, the National Immunization Information Hotline, which provides immunization information and referral services via toll-free telephone service, will be able to answer the questions and concerns of health care providers and the general public.

“With confusion and alarm about emerging diseases, such as SARS and West Nile Virus, it is important for people to realize the differences between these diseases and prepare for a common winter-time threat to our nation’s health – the flu,” says Gary Wallach, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Immunization and Information Hotline. “It is especially important for infants, children at risk and older individuals to get vaccinated against the flu now, before flu season officially begins.”

During an average flu season, approximately 20,000 deaths and approximately 114,000 hospitalizations result from influenza-related complications. Persons at greatest risk include those above 65 years of age, those in nursing homes, and those with certain chronic diseases, particularly of the lungs and heart. This year, the CDC and health care providers are hoping the statistics will not be as staggering.

Operated by the American Social Health Association (ASHA) since 1997, the CDC’s National Immunization Information Hotline (NIIH) has answered approximately a half-million calls. This service is available to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the U.S. Territories, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. via toll-free hotlines. Services are offered in English (800) 232-2522, Spanish (800) 232-0233, and TTY (800) 243-7889 for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. NIIH also has a useful Web site that contains flu shot locations and information at: www.vaccines.ashastd.org.