Announcer: For the first time, many healthy consumers can now receive a needle-free flu vaccine in their doctors� offices nationwide and in pharmacies in many states.  Flumist�, influenza virus vaccine live, intranasal, the first influenza vaccine delivered as a nasal mist available in the United States, is now available for healthy children from 5 to 17 years of age, and healthy adults 18 to 49 years of age.  Dr. Robert Belshe of Saint Louis University, lead investigator of key Flumist� clinical trials, had this to say:

Dr. Belshe quotation:

�Healthy people should consider getting vaccinated against influenza, as the burden of influenza disease in the U.S. is dramatic � resulting in approximately 70 million missed workdays and approximately 38 million missed school days annually.  Flumist� provides a needle-free option that may appeal to healthy people and help reduce the disruption that influenza causes in their lives.�

Announcer:

Many health care professionals immunize against the flu between October and November, although vaccination can be beneficial even beyond December.  Flu season peaks between December and March; however, many health care professionals vaccinate as soon as vaccine is available.