For the 2013-2014 Influenza season we are presented with a unique circumstance with respect to 2 different types of inactivated influenza vaccines that are licensed as an intramuscular injection beginning at 6 months of age. For the first time several manufacturers are producing a quadravalent influenza vaccination (2 strains of influenza A and B) that offers protection against an additional influenza B strain than the historical trivalent vaccine (2 strains of influenza A and 1 strain of influenza B). However, all available live attenuated Flumist vaccines this year are quadravalent (2 strains of influenza A and B).
This being a transitional year, only 1/4 of the entire national influenza vaccine production for the 2013-2014 season will be the quadravalent inactive influenza vaccine. Therefore, there will be very limited supply and access to the quadravalent injectable flu vaccine. Because of this, Children’s Medical Center, along with the Children’s Hospital Colorado and many other local pediatric practices will be offering the trivalent inactive flu vaccine for our patients. This is consistent with the CDC and ACIP recommendation: where more than one type of vaccine is appropriate and available, no preferential recommendation is made for use of any influenza vaccine product over another.
However, we do have the quadravalent Flumist vaccine for eligible patients 2 years and older. Contraindications for Flumist Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV).
Finally, children < 9 years of age may require a second booster dose of flu vaccine in the same season depending on their past flu vaccination history. Another reason to start vaccinations early in the season. Feel free to read more about this and discuss with our pediatricians with any questions.
Please read more about Influenza in our Vaccine section at: Influenza (Flu) Vaccination