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

License

Adult Vaccinations Copyright © by Stacy C. Kramer, MD. All Rights Reserved.

Share This Book