Politics & Government

FDA Warns Against Needle-less Flu Shots

Giant Eagle has pulled flu shots administered with a jet injector.

Needle-less flu shots are no longer being offered at pharmacies, following a warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA issued a statement Friday advising health care professionals not to administer jet injected, or needle-less, flu shots.

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued updated guidance to health care professionals on the administration of influenza vaccinations," Giant Eagle said in a statement released Monday. "As a result of this guidance, Giant Eagle Pharmacy has discontinued use of needle free technology for flu shots, but will continue to administer the flu vaccine via traditional needle injection."

The FDA statement warned that all vaccinations should be given according to their labelling instructions, and flu shots should be given by needle. Only one vaccine for measels, mumps and rubella is approved by the FDA for needleless injection.

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"The FDA has no data to support the safety or effectiveness of other vaccines delivered by jet injector," said the release. "At this time, there are no vaccines for the prevention of influenza disease that are approved by the FDA for administration by jet injector."

Giant Eagle will continue to offer regular flu shots at the pharmacy.

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