RBR Evidence Summary: <strong>Influenza vaccine</strong>

Influenza vaccine

Influenza vaccine: Recommended for all children, particularly those aged 6-59 months and other children at high risk.

Previously unvaccinated children up to 9 years of age require 2 doses with an interval of at least 4 weeks. The second dose is not required if the child has received one or more doses of influenza vaccine during the previous immunization season. A quadrivalent vaccine should be used if available.

For children between 6 and 23 months, the quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (QIV) should be used, and if not available, either unadjuvanted or adjuvanted trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV).

Children 2-18 years of age should be given QIV, or quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) if not contraindicated. If a quadrivalent vaccine is not available, TIV should be used. Egg allergy is not a contraindication to vaccination with QIV, TIV, or LAIV.

Immunize with TIV or QIV in the second or third trimester to provide protection for the pregnant woman and infant <6 months of age.

LAIV is contraindicated for children i) with immune compromising conditions, ii) with severe asthma (defined as current active wheezing or currently on oral or high-dose inhaled glucocorticosteroids, or medically attended wheezing within the previous 7 days), or iii) on aspirin.

Parent Resources

Government of Canada

Flu (influenza): Pandemic flu - Public Health Agency of Canada

Caring For Kids - Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS)

Influenza Vaccine - Canadian Paediatric Society – Caring for Kids

Influenza in Children - Canadian Paediatric Society – Caring for Kids

About Kids Health - The Hospital for Sick Children

Influenza (Flu) – An Overview - The Hospital for Sick Children – AboutKidsHealth

Other Sources

Immunization information. - Immunize Canada