The influenza vaccine is administered to prevent infection caused by the influenza virus, an RNA virus. The most common presentations of this disease include sudden high fever or chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and rhinorrhea.
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This vaccination is recommended on an annual basis for persons aged 6 months or older, with 2 doses recommended for individuals who are receiving the vaccine for the first time and who are younger than 9 years.
21,22 This vaccination is especially important for children with comorbid medical conditions to decrease the risk of serious complications from infection with influenza. Contraindications to vaccination include a history of a serious allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a component of the influenza vaccine or a history of GBS.
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In general, quadrivalent formulations provide more immunogenic coverage than the trivalent preparations. The live, attenuated formulation has been shown to elicit a long-lasting, broader immune (humoral and cellular) response in children.
23 However, precautions are taken when there is accompanying moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever. The live, attenuated influenza nasal spray vaccine is not recommended or licensed for use in patients who are pregnant, immunocompromised, younger than 2 years, or older than 50 years.
22 The live, attenuated formulation is also not recommended or licensed for use in people with asthma, individuals with a history of egg allergy, children on long-term aspirin therapy, or children and adults who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular (except isolated hypertension), renal, hepatic, neurologic, neuromuscular, hematologic, or metabolic disorders.
22 Reported adverse events for the influenza vaccines include redness or pain at the injection site, mild fever, aches, fatigue, headache, and itching.
21,22 Serious allergic reactions and GBS are rare.
21,22 During the 2011-2012 influenza season, the vaccination rate for individuals aged 5 to 17 years was 45.1%.
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