Flu Nasal Spray In Short Supply At Minnesota Hospitals, Clinics

ST. PAUL (AP) - Health officials say the nasal spray that fights the flu is in short supply at Minnesota hospitals and clinics.

Minnesota Department of Health infectious diseases director Kris Ehresmann says the state has received just 42 percent of the FluMist it ordered.

The only company that makes the nasal vaccine, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, attributes the shortage to production challenges. The company says it's shipped nearly 7 million doses of the vaccine through mid-November in the U.S. And, it will be shipping several million more through late November and into December.

The no needle alternative is popular among children. Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota pharmacy director Diane Alexander says they've gotten about 60 percent of its FluMist order, which means they've had to tell some kids they'll have to get a shot.