Podcast #265: The 2017 Flu Vaccine

Author: Rachel Beham, PharmD, Advanced Clinical Pharmacist - Emergency Medicine

Educational Pearls

• CDC recommends using the inactivated, injectable flu vaccine in those 6 months and older. The live attenuated vaccine is not used because of low efficacy.
• Pregnant women should be vaccinated, and can receive the vaccine at any stage of their pregnancy.
• The vaccine is contraindicated ONLY in those with a history of a severe anaphylactic reaction to the injection in the past.
• Antivirals (oseltamivir, zanamivir) are useful for Flu A and B. Their dosing needs to be adjusted for renal function, and it is contraindicated in those with ESRD who are not receiving dialysis. It should be used for prophylaxis in those with exposure and/or for the very young, very old, morbidly obese, nursing home residents, and those who are immunocompromised. They may be effective as long as 72 hours after symptom onset.

References: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/index.htm