<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Hi All--

Thanks to those who responded to my question about the FluMist  
vaccine. For those who missed it, I asked whether it was GF and  
whether it was recommended for celiacs. The vaccine is a nasal spray  
rather than an injection. I heard from 16 people. I would say there  
are no definite conclusions.

Yes, it is GF. Thanks to one helpful list member who wrote to a  
contact at Columbus Children's Hospital, this is their response:

	"FluMist contains no gluten.  It is manufactured using sucrose which  
is a
purified sugar molecule.  It is also produced using egg protein so those
people with egg allergies should not receive the drug.

	"Patients who have an immune deficiency syndromes such as HIV, certain
cancers (lymphoma or leukemia), those using high dose steroids such as
prednisone should avoid the drug also.  Celiac patient should be able to
use the drug safely."

Steve Plogsted, Pharm.D., BCNSP
Nutrition Support Pharmacist
Columbus Children's Hospital
700 Children's Drive
Columbus, OH 43205
________________________________________

I also consulted with my pediatrician who said yes, it is GF, but he  
would leave it up to me as to whether I felt the need to get my child  
vaccinated. He does get his own kids vaccinated (they will get the  
FluMist this year as well -- same school system), but said he feels  
that if a child is otherwise healthy he leaves it up to the parent.  
Despite the celiac, my child is otherwise healthy.

________________________________________

As to whether celiacs should take it, there was a wide assortment of  
responses.

One respondent said she would never do any vaccinations while 2  
people said that FluMist contains mercury. -----> My pediatrician  
said NO vaccinations have contained mercury for 2 years now.

A few responders felt that there is no need for flu vaccines as they  
do not always target the right strain. I think I agree with that --  
it's always a shot in the dark (no pun intended) since manufacturers  
are making these vaccines so far ahead of each flu season.

A few other responders said they have had flu shots and FluMist  
without any problems. One person noted that her son had a reaction to  
the flu shot several years ago and he was extremely ill --a serum  
reaction. One other mother said her daughter's pediatrician said a  
celiac should only have the flu shot and not the FluMist.

Esme in MD

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