The optimal time to receive influenza vaccine is usually in October or November. Children between the ages of 5 and 8 years who have never received influenza vaccine should receive the nasal-spray flu vaccine for the first time in October or earlier because they need a second dose 6 to 10 weeks after the first dose.
Updated Dec 10, 2003
How often should the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) be given?
LAIV should be given each year before the influenza season.
Updated Dec 10, 2003
Can people who received inactivated influenza vaccine (the flu shot) last year get the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) this year?
Yes, people who got inactivated influenza vaccine (the flu shot) last year can get the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) this year.
Updated Dec 10, 2003
Can the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) be given at the same time as other vaccines?
An inactivated vaccine may be given either at the same time or at any time before or after the nasal-spray flu vaccine. A live vaccine may be given together with the nasal-spray flu vaccine. If the two live vaccines are not given at the same visit, they should be given more than 4 weeks apart.
Updated Dec 10, 2003
Can the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) be given to patients when they are ill?
The nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) can be given to people with minor illnesses (e.g., diarrhea or mild upper respiratory tract infection with or without fever). However, if nasal congestion is present that might limit delivery of the vaccine to the nasal lining, then delaying of vaccination until the nasal congestion is reduced should be considered.
Updated Dec 10, 2003
Can the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) be used together with influenza antiviral medications?
If a person is taking an influenza antiviral drug (including Symmetrel [amantadine] for Parkinson's disease), then the nasal-spray flu vaccine should not be given until 48 hours after the last dose of the influenza antiviral medication was given. If a person has received the nasal-spray flu vaccine, an influenza antiviral medication should not be given until 2 weeks after the flu mist was administered.
Updated Dec 10, 2003
If a child under the age of 9 years is getting influenza vaccine for the first time and requires 2 doses, does the same type of vaccine have to be used for both doses?
No, the first and second doses do not have to match; live or inactivated vaccine can be used for either dose. If inactivated influenza vaccine (the flu shot) is used first, then the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) should be given at least 4 weeks later. If the nasal-spray flu vaccine is used first, the second vaccine should be given 6 to 10 weeks later.
Updated Dec 15, 2003
How is the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) stored?
The nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) must be stored frozen at -15 degrees C or colder. It may not be stored in a frost-free freezer (because temperature cycling in these freezers may reach more than -15 degrees C) unless a storage box provided by the manufacturer is used. After thawing, the vaccine may be stored for up to 24 hours in a refrigerator at 2-8 degrees C, and it should not be refrozen. Vaccine thawed for more than 24 hours should be discarded.
Updated Dec 10, 2003
What personal protective equipment is recommended for health-care workers who are giving the vaccine?
Disposable gloves should be worn by health-care workers administering the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV).
Updated Dec 10, 2003
Does the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) contain thimerosal?
No, the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) does not contain thimerosal or any other preservative.
Updated Dec 10, 2003
Reproduced from the CDC guide - Questions & Answers: The Nasal-Spray Flu Vaccine (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine [LAIV])
