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Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Flu vaccine is made each year with the most common strains available for the flu season, usually October through March. Inactivated influenza vaccine is recommended for anyone who is at risk of complications from the flu, such as the following:

• All children, ages 6 months up to fifth birthday.
• Adults age 50 years and older.
• Pregnant women.
• People with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart problems.
• Anyone living with or caring for someone in one of the above groups, especially babies under age 6 months who are too young to get flu vaccine, but may still get the flu.
• Anyone living or working in a long-term care facility.
• Health care workers.

Flu vaccine is also recommended for anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk for flu-related complications and people who want to reduce the likelihood of getting the flu or spreading it to others.

Nasal spray flu vaccine is recommended for healthy people aged 5-49 years who are not pregnant.

Washington State is currently supplying:

Vaccine	Indications for Use
Sanofi Pasteur Fluzone No Preservative 0.25 mL Single Dose Syringe (6–35 Months)	Children aged 6 months up to the 3rd birthday.
Sanofi Pasteur Fluzone No Preservative 0.5 mL Single Dose Vial/Syringe (Age 3 and up)	Prioritize the use of this vaccine for pregnant adolescents less than age 19 years. If supplies are sufficient to vaccinate this group, this presentation may be used for children aged 3 years up to the 19th birthday who meet the criteria for the use of state supplied vaccine.
Sanofi Pasteur Fluzone 5.0 mL Multi Dose Vial (Age 3 and up)	Prioritize the use of Fluzone in the multi-dose vial presentation for children aged 3 years. If supply is sufficient to vaccinate 3 year-olds with this presentation, this presentation may be used for children aged 4 years up to the 19th birthday who meet the criteria for the use of state supplied vaccine.
Novartis Fluvirin No Preservative 0.5 mL Single Dose Syringe (Age 4 and up)	Prioritize the use of this vaccine for pregnant adolescents less than age 19 years. If supplies are sufficient to vaccinate this group, this presentation may be used for children aged 4 years up to the 19th birthday who meet the criteria for the use of state supplied vaccine. (Fluvirin is licensed for ages 4 years and older.)
Novartis Fluvirin 5.0 mL Multi Dose Vial (Age 4 and up)	Prioritize the use of Fluvirin in the multi-dose vial presentation for children aged 4 years up to the 19th birthday who meet the criteria for the use of state supplied vaccine. (Fluvirin is licensed for ages 4 years and older.)

 

Guidelines for the Use of State Supplied Vaccines (PDF 117kb) (04/04/08)
Vaccine Management - Recommendation for Storage and Handling of Vaccines (PDF 212kb)

Vaccine Information Statements:

• Inactivated Influenza
• Live, Intranasal Influenza   

Flu Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Related Information:

• Vaccine Advisory Committee Recommendation For Use of the Influenza Vaccine (PDF 33kb)
• Provider FAQ for 2006 law: Limiting the Use of Mercury-Containing Vaccines (PDF 42kb)
• Childhood Influenza Vaccine Identification Guide (PDF 132mb)
• 2008-2009 Flu Vaccine Distributor Pre-Book List (PDF 52kb)
• Best Practices for Mass Influenza Vaccinations (PDF 19kb)
• CDC Vaccine Bulletins
• Healthcare Workers Influenza Immunization Toolkit 2007
 

External Resources:

• National Immunization Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Locate my local health department

Last Update: 07/15/2008 02:02 PM