Roll Up Those Sleeves! CDC: Nasal Flu Mist 'Subpar,' Children Should Get Flu Shots

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Sorry kids, you will have to roll up those sleeves for flu protection this year.

The CDC says the popular flu mist is subpar, leaving parents and pediatricians only one option: the flu shot.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests everyone 6 months or older should be vaccinated for this year's flu season by October.

Dr. Bindu Kumar, Associate Medical Director for Occupational Employee Health at Main Line Health System says the CDC recommends you get a flu shot in October because the vaccine protection only lasts so long.

"It tends to go down over time, we know that folks who have robust immune systems will have good protection for the duration of the flu season, but if that flu season tends to run into the spring it tends to not be as effective down the road."