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American Morning

Could Flu Shots Become a Thing of the Past?

Aired July 27, 2001 - 11:23   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
STEPHEN FRAZIER, CNN ANCHOR: We are going to talk about flu shots, which could eventually be a thing of the past thanks to a new spray vaccine. But first, though, the government has to decide whether it is safe.

And for more on that, let's turn now to CNN medical correspondent Rea Blakey -- Rea, good morning.

REA BLAKEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Stephen.

Hearings have been under way for the last couple of days. A scientific advisory panel is expected to vote later today, in fact, on whether to recommend flu mist for FDA approval. Now, some 20,000 Americans die every year from flu complications. Most of them are adults over the age of 65. however, children make up the second largest group of flu cases and public health officials have been searching for a non-injection flu vaccine since the late '70s.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CAROLE HEILMAN, NAID: This vaccine is made from live influenza viruses that have been debilitated by a lot of genetic crippling and as a result of that, we are able to deliver this vaccine in a different way. And the manner that it's delivered is through a nasal mist.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLAKEY: Early scientist research indicates the vaccine is 93 percent effective in preventing influenza in children. Now, the FDA panel learned that a study involving adults failed to show that flu mist can significantly reduce fever during a flu outbreak in adults. However, in contrast, the flu shot, which is recommended for adults and children with asthma, is only 70 percent effective. No one knows just yet if flu mist is safe for people over 65 or for people with asthma or those with other illnesses. Those studies reportedly are under way.

The maker of flu mist says the product, if it's approved by the FDA, will definitely be ready for the 2002 flu season -- Stephen?

FRAZIER: Rea, when you say whether it'll be safe, I'm presuming you mean whether it will actually cause the flu, because we heard your expert there say it's made from live flu virus. BLAKEY: A lot of people are concerned about that. But this is actually an attenuated or weakened version of a flu virus and then it's genetically altered. And quite frankly, the best feature of this particular spray is the fact that it will be administered through the nose. Some 90 percent of infections that occur, occur in the mucosal lining of the nose. And so research on flu mist shows that it provides flu protection both in the bloodstream and in the upper respiratory tract and, of course, Stephen, no needles.

FRAZIER: That's what I thought was its big advantage, but you're saying it hits the right part of the body.

BLAKEY: Exactly, and a two point punch, as well.

FRAZIER: Rea Blakey calling, reporting on this from Washington. Rea, thanks very much.

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