The flu vaccine is essential for children, but many parents and caregivers feel hesitant about vaccinations. Plus, there are many products available, each with different license requirements. How do you choose the right one? Here\u2019s what to know.<\/p>\n
Flu vaccines<\/a> contain three or four strains of influenza: one influenza or H1N1, one influenza A or H3N2, and one influenza B. A three-strain vaccine is called a trivalent, and a four-strain vaccine is a quadrivalent, which has an additional influenza B strain.\u00a0 The\u00a0World Health Organization<\/a> sets the strain recommendations for the season, and manufacturers create different types of vaccines.<\/p>\n An inactivated vaccine contains a nonliving influenza virus and is available in trivalent or quadrivalent form. Some have adjuvants that promote a stronger immune response, while others do not. The IIV comes in as a trivalent or quadrivalent in standard or high doses. A high dose contains four times the amount of viral antigen.<\/p>\n A live attenuated vaccine contains a live but weakened influenza virus. The virus is grown in an egg-based solution and then developed into the final product in a trivalent or quadrivalent format. LAIV versions are available as a nasal spray and don\u2019t contain any adjuvants.<\/p>\n The main difference between flu vaccines is how they\u2019re made. Some are for the general population, and others for older adults. However, each flu vaccine is considered based on a patient\u2019s age, allergies, and health conditions.\u00a0 In general, you can give healthy people aged 6 months and older\u00a0most forms<\/a> of non-adjuvanted trivalent or quadrivalent IIV, though the dose varies. However, influenza B is likely to cause severe illness in children aged six to 23 months, so a quadrivalent vaccine should be offered for better protection.<\/p>\n Contrary to popular thought, you can give egg-based flu vaccines to a child with a known egg allergy.\u00a0Evidence indicates<\/a> that the risks of an adverse event associated with trace amounts of ovalbumin in vaccines are low.\u00a0 However, patients can be allergic to other components. Children who have previously reacted to an influenza vaccine shouldn\u2019t receive another one. These include:<\/p>\n Additionally, LAIV nasal sprays are not recommended for children who have:<\/p>\n A LAIV also isn\u2019t recommended for children:<\/p>\n The\u00a0National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidelines<\/a> recommend you offer the influenza vaccine every year to anyone six months and older who doesn\u2019t have contraindications to the vaccine. Caregivers of infants less than six months and pregnant mothers should also receive a flu vaccine to lower the likelihood of infants getting sick.\u00a0 General pediatric vaccine recommendations are as follows:<\/p>\n Yes. Vaccinations are safe to give when a child has a mild or moderate illness. However, a\u00a0nasal spray<\/a> might not work well if the child has too much nasal congestion. You can wait until symptoms improve or give a different vaccine. Vaccines should only be delayed in pediatrics if a child has a severe, acute illness.<\/p>\n The most effective way to explain the importance of vaccination in pediatrics is to openly discuss the risks of influenza and the safety, effectiveness, and potential risks of vaccines. Give caregivers accurate information and answer any questions.\u00a0 Inform parents that:<\/p>\n Children might have some mild side effects from the flu vaccine. These are normal immune responses and go away within a few days. Common symptoms include:<\/p>\n Pediatric influenza vaccines change every year and it is essential for physicians<\/a> and pharmacists<\/a> to stay up to date on current clinical guidelines. Join the MDBriefCase<\/a> community for free.<\/p>\nInactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Differences in Flu Vaccines<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Vaccine Contraindications for Pediatrics\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What Are Current NACI Guidelines?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Can You Vaccinate a Sick Child?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How To Explain the Importance of Vaccination to a Caregiver<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What Patients Need To Know After Vaccination<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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