Influenza Vaccine Live Intranasal
Class: Vaccines
VA Class: IM100
Brands: FluMist
Warning
Special Alerts:
On October 15, 2021, the National Alert Network (NAN) issued an alert to make vaccine providers aware of reports of accidental mix-ups between the influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines. The alert is based on 16 cases reported to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) error reporting programs. Most of the reports ISMP has received involve administration of one of the COVID-19 vaccines instead of an influenza vaccine; in 3 cases, patients received an influenza vaccine instead of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Because most of the errors were reported by consumers, details about the contributing factors were not provided in many cases. However, possible contributing factors include increased demand for vaccination services, the ability to administer the flu and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit, syringes located next to each other, unlabeled syringes, distractions, and staffing shortages. The alert provides recommendations for preventing such vaccine mix-ups. For additional information, consult the NAN alert at [Web].
Introduction
Live, attenuated virus vaccine. Seasonal influenza vaccine live intranasal (LAIV; LAIV4) contains live (cold-adapted) influenza virus types A and B representing influenza strains likely to circulate in the US during the upcoming season and is used to stimulate active immunity to influenza strains contained in the vaccine.
Uses for Influenza Vaccine Live Intranasal
Prevention of Seasonal Influenza A and B Virus Infections
Prevention of seasonal influenza virus infection in children ≥2 years of age, adolescents, and adults 18 through 49 years of age.
Influenza is an acute viral infection; influenza viruses spread from person to person mainly through large-particle respiratory droplet transmission. In the US, annual epidemics of seasonal influenza occur, usually during the fall or winter. Influenza viruses can cause illness in any age group; children have highest rate of infection. Influenza can exacerbate underlying medical conditions or lead to pneumonia in certain individuals. Adults ≥65 years of age, children <2 years of age, and individuals with chronic medical conditions have highest risk of influenza-related complications and death.
Annual vaccination is the primary means of preventing seasonal influenza and its complications. Annual influenza vaccination necessary since immunity declines in the year following vaccination and circulating influenza strains change from year to year.
CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), AAP, and others recommend routine influenza vaccination for all adults, adolescents, children, and infants ≥6 months of age using an age-appropriate seasonal influenza vaccine, unless contraindicated. Vaccination against seasonal influenza recommended for otherwise healthy individuals as well as those who have medical conditions that put them at increased risk for influenza-related ...
