BACKGROUND:
In 2003, FluMist^TM , a live trivalent nasally administered influenza vaccine was licensed for use in healthy children and adolescents, 5-17 years of age, and healthy adults 18-49 years of age. Ukrop’s Super Market, a local grocery store chain with 23 pharmacies in the area of greater Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Williamsburg, incorporated FluMistTM vaccine into their pharmacy-based immunization program in fall 2003.

OBJECTIVE:
To describe the characteristics and satisfaction of patients receiving FluMist^TM vaccine rather than the conventional injectable influenza vaccine.

METHOD:
Two survey instruments were designed to obtain information about all patients who that received an intranasal influenza vaccine in 16 Ukrop’s Pharmacies from October 2003 to January 2004. One survey was designed for healthy patients aged 18-49 years and one survey for parents/caregivers of children aged 5-17 years receiving the intranasal influenza vaccine. All patients and parents/caregivers of children receiving vaccine were asked to complete the questionnaire.

RESULT:
Of a total of 320 doses of FluMist^TM available at the 16 pharmacies, 103 doses were administered in 10 pharmacies. Only 5 doses were administered prior to December 1 2003, before the marked increase in media coverage of the influenza epidemic. The survey results will be presented including information about prior influenza vaccination history, reasons for choosing FluMist^TM, and patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSION:
In a pharmacy-based immunization program, FluMist^TM vaccine was largely administered after increased media coverage of the influenza epidemic and of the limited availability of influenza vaccine.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. List the indications for FluMist^TM Vaccine.
2. Describe the characteristics of patients receiving FluMist^TM Vaccine.