The Center for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (APIC) has decided that the FluMist vaccine should not be used during the 2016-2017 flu season; and, they have passed a resolution to remove the FluMist vaccine from the Vaccines For Children program. This decision was made due to recent data that shows poor or relatively lower effectiveness of the FluMist from 2013 through 2016. APIC does, however, continue to recommend annual flu vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
The CDC further recommends the use of Flucelvax Quadrivalent, a flu vaccine made using technology that does not rely on eggs for manufacturing. This is an antibiotic-free, preservative-free, and latex-free vaccine that was previously approved for individuals 18 and older, but it is now approved for children 4 years of age and older. Since this is an egg-free vaccine, it can be given to children with severe egg allergies.
Please contact your provider or the Macon County Health Department at 660-395-4711 for questions regarding flu vaccines for this upcoming flu season.
