Universal Vaccines
Influenza
There are 30,000-50,000 deaths annually in the US from influenza and greater than 200,000 associated hospitalizations. Barriers to Adult Vaccinations, a study that surveyed approximately 2000 consumers, found that 43% cited concern about side effects as their reason for avoiding vaccination. An additional 18% reported they feared they may get the disease.4 As primary care providers we must provide our patients with basic vaccine education to combat vaccine myths.
What to know in clinic:
EVERYONE over 6 months should get the flu shot EVERY year
There are various trade names and manufacturers but just know the broad categories
Inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV):
- 6 months to age 65 get Trivalent (IIV) or Quadrivalent (IIV4)
- No current data on which to recommend
High dose IIV:
- Age 65+ population
Egg free options:
- cc-IIV is a cell culture vaccine approved in 2013
- RIV is a recombinant HA vaccine approved in 2013
Live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV):
- Nasal formulation (Quadrivalent)
- Healthy people 2-49 years
- NOT for immunocompromised adults, pregnant women, anyone
- receiving antiviral medications within 48 hours
- If health care persons receive LAIV they should avoid caring for
- severely immunosuppressed patients for 7 days follow vaccination
Adverse Reactions: Fever, tiredness, muscle aches, headaches, arm soreness
Precautions: History of GBS within 6 weeks of influenza vaccination, adults with egg allergy may receive RIV or cc-IIV, adults with “hives only” egg allergy may receive IIV