Using live, attenuated influenza vaccine for prevention and control of influenza: supplemental recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

Abstract

This report summarizes recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for using intranasally administered, trivalent, cold-adapted, live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), which was approved for use in the United States on June 17, 2003 (FluMist trade mark, produced by MedImmune, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland). LAIV is currently approved for use among healthy persons (i.e., those not at high risk for complications from influenza infection) aged 5-49 years. This report includes information regarding 1) vaccine composition and mechanisms of action; 2) comparison between LAIV and trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine; 3) effectiveness and safety of LAIV; 4) transmission and stability of LAIV viruses; 5) recommendations and contraindications for using LAIV; and 6) dosage and administration of LAIV. This report supplements the 2003 ACIP recommendations regarding prevention and control of influenza (CDC. Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP]. MMWR 2003;52[No. RR-8]:1-36.)