UPDATED 1/14/2008 -We are out of FluMist and have ~ 120 doses of TIV. We are beginning to see an increase in the number of patients with documented Influenza.
FLU Vaccine
There are two types of flu vaccine potentially available for 2007-2008. Each provides protection against the same three strains of influenza, and each is prepared using eggs and those with severe egg protein allergy should receive neither. Neither is 100% effective in preventing influenza, and both need to be given yearly for ongoing protection.
The first type is the typical “flu shot” (trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine TIV), acceptable to kids older than 6 months. There is no upper age limit for those receiving TIV. Inactivated influenza vaccine contains killed viruses, and thus cannot produce signs or symptoms of influenza virus infection. Children less than 9 years old who have never received TIV should get a second dose at least a month later. The TIV can be administered to those with chronic medical conditions, those with immunodeficiency, and those who might be closely exposed to family members with a stem cell transplant.
The second type of flu vaccine is FluMist (live attenuated influenza vaccine LAIV). It is administered as a nasal spray in the office. It is indicated for immunization for the prevention of disease caused by influenza A and B viruses in healthy children and adolescents, 2 to 17 years of age, and healthy adults, 18 to 49 years of age. Because it is a live viral vaccine there is a small potential to cause mild flu-like symptoms. For those 2 to 9 year old children who are receiving Flumist for the first time ( and who have not had TIV in past years) a second dose is recommended at least 4 weeks later.
FluMist is contraindicated in persons
1. Hyper sensitivity to eggs
2. Children receiving aspirin therapy
3. Children with history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
4. Children with known or suspected immunodeficiency or who are immunosuppressed.
5. Those who will have a household contact with immunodeficiency or immunosuppression.
Safety and efficacy in pregnant women and patients with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney dysfunction, sickle cell disease, and chronic moderate to severe asthma has not been established and vaccine should not be administered to these patients. For those with a febrile illness a delay of 3 days should be considered before giving FluMist.
Those receiving antiviral medications should wait at least 2 days between finishing the medication and receiving FluMist. Also children should not receive antiviral medications for 2 weeks following FluMist.
http://www.flumist.com/#
http://www.flumist.com/pdf/patientinfo.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/flu
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