The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pediatricians give children inactivated influenza vaccine (flu shot) in the upcoming season and use live attenuated vaccine (intranasal flu vaccine, aka Flumist) only as a last resort.

  • Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
  • For the 2018-’19 season, the AAP recommends inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3/4) as the primary choice for all children because the effectiveness of LAIV4:
    • was inferior against A/H1N1 during past seasons; and
    • is unknown against A/H1N1 for this upcoming season.
  • LAIV4 may be offered for children who would not otherwise receive an influenza vaccine (and for whom it is appropriate by age and health status).
  • As always, families should receive counseling on these revised recommendations for the 2018-’19 season.

http://www.aappublications.org/news/2018/06/07/influenza060718