BEIJING, Oct. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- The U.S. government currently recommends traditional flu shots for children under 5 years old, but recent studies have found the vaccine FluMist is safe and effective in kids as young as 2, an advisory panel said Wednesday.

    FluMist, made by Maryland-based MedImmune Inc.,  was initially approved in 2003 for use in healthy people ages 5 to 49. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month approved its use for the 2 to 5 age group as well.

    Now, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which advises government health officials, is recommending FluMist's use for kids in the 2 to 5 age bracket. Committee members said Wednesday that children with a history of asthma or wheezing should opt for a shot.

    The committee also voted that a government program that pays for vaccines extend its FluMist coverage to the younger age group, meaning more than 5 million children will now be eligible for free FluMist. That includes children eligible for Medicaid, members of Native American and Alaska Native groups, and some children who don't have insurance that covers the vaccination.

    "This is a significant step forward in our vision to have a significant impact on influenza disease in all age groups," said Frank Malinoski, MedImmune's senior vice president for medical and scientific affairs.

    The committee didn't recommend FluMist over flu shots, merely making it an option for young children who may fear a shot with a needle. Flu shots are still recommended for children ages 6 months to 5 years and those 50 and over as well as other groups at risk for flu complications.

    Recommendations by the panel usually are accepted by U.S. health officials, and they influence insurance companies' decisions on vaccination coverage.

    (Agencies)