infections
Influenza Vaccine
Administration of Influenza Vaccine
The influenza vaccine is recommended for All people 6 months old and over (SeeCDC: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by AgeandCDC: Recommendations for Ages 19 Years or Older.) Influenza vaccine is usually given as an injection of inactivated virus into the muscle. It is also available as a nasal spray, which contains live but weakened (attenuated) virus. Influenza epidemics usually begin in late December or midwinter. Therefore, the best time to get the vaccine is in September through November. A vaccine against avian influenza ( Bird Flu ) has been developed in case that virus becomes able to spread from person to person. An influenza vaccine that has a higher dose of inactivated virus is recommended for people 65 years old and over. It is given as an injection. The main reason for not giving either influenza vaccine to someone is A serious, life-threatening allergic reaction (such as an Anaphylactic Reactions ) to any component of the vaccine (except for eggs) or to a previous dose of any influenza vaccine Certain other conditions may affect whether and when people are vaccinated (see alsoCDC: Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated With These Vaccines?). For example, the nasal spray vaccine, which contains weakened live virus, isnotgiven to the following: Children under age 2 years or people age 50 years and older People with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV infection Pregnant women People who do not have a spleen or their spleen does not work well Children or adolescents takingaspirinor other drugs that contain salicylates People in close contact with or caring for a person with a severely weakened immune system (unless contact is avoided for 7 days after being given the vaccine) People who have a Cochlear Implants or a spinal fluid leak People who have taken antiviral medicine for influenza in the last 2 days Children 2 to 4 years old if they have asthma or have had wheezing or asthma episodes in the past 12 months If people have a temporary illness, doctors usually wait to give the vaccine until the illness resolves. The influenza vaccine may contain small amounts of egg because many of the formulations are made from viruses grown in eggs. Recommendations for giving the vaccine to people with an egg allergy vary according to the severity of the allergy: If the only reaction people have had is a rash ( Symptoms ), a doctor can give them the influenza vaccine. If people have had other reactions to eggs, such as swelling under the skin ( Angioedema ), difficulty breathing, light-headedness, repeated vomiting, and reactions that required an If people had a severe allergic reaction after they were given the influenza vaccine, they are not given the influenza vaccine again. 