Does Flu Mist Offer Enough Protection For Children?

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Flu Mist is a popular alternative to injected flu vaccines, but it may not offer enough protection for children.

Many parents will be disappointed to hear this:

Getting a sniff of vaccine is so much easier than getting a shot for kids, but the federal government has found that the nasal spray flu vaccine, so easy to give children, doesn't work for them.

It's back to shots for kids to protect them from the flu. A CDC advisory committee has voted that the nasal spray vaccine, Flu Mist, should not be used in the upcoming flu season.

"Two of the last three seasons, it hasn't worked at all," said Dr. Joseph Bresee of the CDC. "We have seen any of our data that indicates that the vaccine has been effective."

It's estimated that about 1/3 of children get the nasal spray vaccine each year. Earlier data found that the nasal spray is actually more protective than the shot for kids, but that is not the case anymore.

Health officials don't know why the spray is not as effective now, but many hospitals have already placed orders for vaccine. Experts say that may be a challenge this fall.

"I think it may be that a doctor has to call one or two places to make sure they get the vaccine that they need, but I think overall it won't be any shortages," Bresee said.

The makers of the nasal spray say the CDC's effectiveness data conflicts with studies done by Astra Zeneca as well as other findings.

The company says it is working with the CDC. Federal health officials hope parents will not be discouraged and will continue to have their children vaccinated, reminding that it is better to get the flu shot than the flu itself.

Estimates show the nasal spray accounts for less than 10 percent of the flu vaccine supply every year that is given to people. Most people get flu shots.