The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted unanimously, 14-0, to recommend preferred use of live attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine for healthy children 2 to 8 years of age who have no contraindications or precautions.
This is the first time a recommendation has been made for a specific influenza vaccine.
In addition, revisions to recommendations regarding influenza vaccination for children with egg allergies and the pediatric dosing algorithm were discussed.
For the 2014-2015 influenza season, the ACIP recommended , the following:
- All individuals aged older than 6 months should receive influenza vaccine. Influenza vaccination should not be delayed to procure a specific vaccine preparation if an appropriate one is already available;
- When available, LAIV should be used for healthy children aged 2 to 8 years who have no contraindications or precautions. LAIV is not indicated for patients aged younger than 2 years or older than 49 years;
- If LAIV is not immediately available, inactivated influenza vaccine should be used. Vaccination should not be delayed in order to procure LAIV.
