After advising against use of the nasal spray flu vaccine during the 2016-2017 and2017-2018 flu seasons due to lack of effectiveness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has re-approved use of the nasal spray vaccine for the 2018-2019 flu season. As stated on the CDC’s website:

“For the 2018-2019 flu season, [the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)] recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine (IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4) with no preference expressed for any one vaccine over another. . . . The nasal spray is approved for use in non-pregnant individuals, 2 years through 49 years of age. People with some medical conditions should not receive the nasal spray flu vaccine.”

But, while the CDC has given the “green light” to nasal spray vaccines for the upcoming flu season, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is recommending that parents continue to choose the flu shot.

AAP: Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Should Only Be Used as a “Last Resort”

According to the AAP, the risk that the nasal spray vaccine will be ineffective is great enough that the spray should only be used as a “last resort” for children who cannot be immunized via injection. The AAP’s Board of Directors reached this conclusion after reviewing the same data as the ACIP:

“In February 2018, ACIP decided to make LAIV4 available for the 2018-2019 flu season, based on indirect study data from the manufacturer suggesting their new formulation would be effective, as well as a review of other published research.

“However, upon review of the same data, the AAP recommends children receive the injectable form of the vaccine . . . . For those children who would otherwise receive no flu vaccine, the AAP says the nasal spray vaccine can be given as a last resort, though it could leave them at higher risk for flu than if they had received the flu shot.”

Ultimately, however, the CDC and AAP are in agreement that immunization against the flu is the best option for children and adults, and that individuals with questions should consult their physician prior to choosing between the flu shot and the nasal spray vaccine.

CDC: Certain Individuals Should Not Receive the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine

While approving use of the nasal spray vaccine during the 2018-2019 flu season generally, the CDC is still advising certain individuals not to get immunized with the nasal spray vaccine. For example, the CDC advises against use of the nasal spray for:

  • Children ages two through four who have been diagnosed with asthma or who have “had a history of wheezing in the past 12 months” (parents of children age five or older who have asthma should consult their physicians prior to using the nasal spray)
  • Children ages two through 17 who take medications containing aspirin or salicylate
  • Individuals who have had an allergic reaction to any prior flu vaccination (nasal spray or flu shot)
  • Individuals who have weakened immune systems
  • Individuals who care for others who have weakened immune systems and who require a protected environment

Nationwide Legal Representation for Flu Shot Injuries

For individuals who receive the annual flu shot during the 2018-2019 flu season, it is important to be aware of the risk of flu shot-related injuries and illnesses. This includes shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). At Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates, we provide nationwide legal representation for individuals who have been harmed by the flu shot. For more information about seeking financial compensation if you experience pain after a flu shot, please call (202) 775-9200 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.