Giving Babies and Toddlers Flu Vaccinations: Would a Painless Nasal Spray Work Better?

A new study being conducted only at Saint Louis University's Center for Vaccine Development will compare this new nasal vaccine and the traditional flu shot in healthy children between 12 and 35 months of age.

"The information gathered from this study will be used to help determine whether this nasal vaccine or a combination of vaccines should be available in the future for infants and toddlers," said Elizabeth Babusis, M.D., assistant professor at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the principal investigator for the study.

As per standard guidelines, young children receiving a flu vaccination for the first time must be vaccinated on two separate occasions. Because of this, the study will have four arms: the child could receive the nasal spray first, and later the shot to complete the vaccination schedule; the child could receive the shot first, then the nasal spray; or the child could receive either the nasal spray or the shot for both vaccinations. Doctors will be looking to see which combination promotes a better immune response and fewer side effects.

The study involves about five clinic visits to SLU’s Center for Vaccine Development. If a child in the study receives an experimental vaccine and it does not result in a protective level of antibodies, then participants will have the option for them to receive a standard injection with a licensed flu vaccine for the 2006-2007 season. For time and travel, parents of the volunteers will receive $50 per visit.

To learn more, contact Saint Louis University's Center for Vaccine Development at 314-977-6333.

###

[ Return to Top of Page ]