Immunization Update - Influenza Vaccine
/The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has approved an interim recommendation stating that the NASAL SPRAY form of the influenza vaccine should not be used in any setting in the upcoming 2016-2017 season. Review of data by The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices indicated that the NASAL SPRAY form of the vaccine had been ineffective against influenza A (H1N1) in children 2-17 years old for the past three seasons. It is still important to protect our children from the influenza virus by yearly immunization. For this season the injectable form of the influenza vaccine will be offered.
AAP backs new ACIP recommendation on influenza vaccine
AAP News staff
Health care providers should not use live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) in the upcoming 2016-’17 season due to poor effectiveness, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) committee said Wednesday.
Academy leaders say they support the interim recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
“We agree with ACIP’s decision today to recommend health care providers and parents use only the inactivated vaccine for this influenza season,” said AAP President Benard Dreyer, M.D., FAAP.
The AAP recommends children ages 6 months and older be immunized against influenza every year. Previously, the CDC and AAP had recommended either form of flu vaccine – the inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) that is given by injection and is approved for all patients older than 6 months, or LAIV which is given by intranasal spray and is approved for healthy patients ages 2 through 49 years.
However, new data presented to the ACIP showed that currently only IIV provides protection against flu. The ACIP assessed data from the past three influenza seasons and cited evidence of poor effectiveness of LAIV during this time period.
“We do understand this change will be difficult for pediatric practices who were planning to give the intranasal spray to their patients, and to patients who prefer that route of administration,” said AAP CEO/Executive Director Karen Remley, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., FAAP. “However the science is compelling that the inactivated vaccine is the best way to protect children from what can be an unpredictable and dangerous virus. The AAP will be working with CDC and vaccine manufacturers to make sure pediatricians and families have access to appropriate vaccines, and to help pediatricians who have already ordered intranasal vaccines.”
Dr. Dreyer stressed the need for continued immunization against influenza every year.
“Flu vaccine is the best way we have to protect children and being immunized every year significantly reduces the risk of a child being hospitalized due to flu,” he said.
Source: http://www.aappublications.org/news/2016/06/22/InfluenzaVaccine062216