ACIP updates flu vaccine guidelines

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has updated its influenza vaccination recommendations for the 2014-15 influenza season. The update includes information on the antigenic compounds of the influenza vaccines, vaccine dose considerations for children aged 6 to 8 years, and the preference for live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) in children aged 2 to 8 years.

Flu vaccines for 2014-15 will contain the same influenza strains as the 2013-14 vaccines. Routine immunization for influenza is recommended for anyone aged 6 months and older who does not have contraindications and should ideally be administered before the outbreak of influenza in the community.

Dermcase: Diaper hides anogenital lesions

Children aged 6 months to 8 years will require 2 doses of the vaccine in their first season of vaccination to induce an optimal immune response. The doses should be given at least 4 weeks apart. To ensure timely vaccination, doctors should offer the immunization during routine visits.

An inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) can be given to all children aged 6 months and older. However, the quadrivalent LAIV, also known as FluMist Quadrivalent (MedImmune; Gaithersburg, Maryland) has proven to be more efficacious and should be administered to children aged 2 to 8 years if the LAIV is readily available.

The LAIV should not be given to children aged 2 to 17 years who are using aspirin or aspirin-containing products. Also, It should not be used in children aged 2 to 4 years who have asthma or who have had a wheezing episode noted in their records within the previous 12 months. The IIV should be used for patients who previously had allergic reactions to the LAIV, those who have a history of egg allergy, and immunocompromised patients.

To get weekly clinical advice for today's pediatrician, subscribe to the Contemporary Pediatrics PediaMedia.