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This vaccine is important because
it protects against the influenza virus. Each year,
approximately 220,000 people in the United States are
hospitalized because of influenza (the flu), and 36,000
die. Nearly 100 of these deaths are in children.
Influenza can cause high fevers, pneumonia and
seizures in children. Prevention is the key to not
contracting the flu, and the most effective preventive method
is receiving an annual influenza vaccination.
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Who should receive the live, attenuated influenza vaccine?
Live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is recommended
every year for healthy children who do not have a history of
wheezing or asthma and non-pregnant adults aged 2 to 49
years.
Live, attenuated influenza vaccine should not be given to:
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People who have a severe allergy
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People who are younger than 2 years or older than 49 years
of age
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People with long-term health conditions including asthma
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People with weakened immune systems
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Children or adolescents receiving long-term aspirin
treatment
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Pregnant women
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People who have had
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
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Health care professionals caring for patients who have had
bone marrow transplants
It can take up to two weeks for LAIV to become fully
effective. The best time to get this vaccine is in September
or October, but even a late vaccination in January (or
later) can be beneficial. Flu season may start as
early as October peaks in Februrary and often extends
through late May.
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When did the live, attenuated influenza vaccine become
available?
Since 1945, influenza vaccines have been licensed in the
United States. Until 2003, the only influenza vaccine that
was available was the
inactivated influenza vaccine
or the "flu shot." In 2003, the live,
attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) which is given via
intranasal spray, was licensed by the Food and Drug
Administration
for use in the United States. This vaccine is modified each
year with three virus strains that are predicted to be in
the United States during the upcoming winter.
How does someone become infected with influenza?
Influenza is most commonly spread from person to person. It
also may be spread when a healthy person touches something
with the flu virus on it and then touches the nose or mouth.
How effective is the live, attenuated influenza vaccine?
When the virus
strains in the vaccine match those viruses
circulating in the U.S., LAIV can protect 87 percent of
healthy children who have received this vaccine.
Are there any side effects of the live, attenuated
influenza vaccine?
Serious side effects from the live, attenuated influenza
vaccine are rare. Mild side effects may include:
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nasal congestion, runny nose or
cough
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body aches
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headaches
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mild fever
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abdominal pain, vomiting or
diarrhea
Can the vaccine give you the
flu?
Even though this vaccine is made from a live virus, it is
weakened and cannot cause influenza. People living with
pregnant women and health care personnel can received LAIV.
How do I learn more about this vaccine?
The best person to ask about this or any vaccine is your
child’s pediatrician or your primary health care provider.
Your provider can answer your questions and give you more
information on the live, attenuated influenza vaccine.
Immunization is the best thing you can do for your child
and yourself to
protect against
influenza.
 
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