Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Flu Vaccines are out!



New to the vaccine scene this year is the nasal flu vaccine (Flumist) covered for children ages 2-17. It has actually been shown to provide better protection in kids aged 2-8. One big difference with the Flumist and regular injected vaccines is that Flumist is a live attenuated influenza vaccine. Precautions need to be taken to ensure that Flumist is never injected with a needle. For instructions on administering Flumist, visit the link below:


A few special considerations for the live attenuated influenza vaccine:

It is contraindicated for immunocompromised people, people with severe asthma, those who are pregnant or may soon become pregnant, those with an egg allergy, and those receiving Aspirin therapy currently or within the last 4 weeks.

Special precautions must be made for those who are in contact with severely immunocompromised people. Since the vaccine contains weakened but live virus, in rare occasions, it can be transmitted through respiratory secretions.

Taking antiviral medication at the same time as receiving Flumist has potential to interfere with the immune response.

TB skin tests given in the 4 weeks after receiving Flumist can result in a false negative.

For more information regarding Flu vaccines, check out www.immunizebc.ca