Influenza

ACIP Releases Updated Influenza Vaccine Recommendations

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has updated its recommendations for the use of seasonal influenza vaccines for the 2017-2018 season.
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Among the primary changes and updates to the recommendations:

  • Afluria Quadrivalent and Flublok Quadrivalent vaccines are now available for individuals aged 18 years and older.
  • FluLaval Quadrivalent vaccine is can now be used in children 6 months and older.
  • Afluria is now recommended for individuals aged 5 years or older.
  • LAIV4 should not be used, due to its ineffectiveness in the United States during the 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 seasons.
  • Pregnant women may receive any FDA-approved, age-appropriate vaccine.

The CDC is continuing to recommend vaccination for all individuals aged 6 months and older who are without contraindications, as well as standard-dose or high-dose vaccination for individuals aged 65 years and older.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Grohskopf LA, Sokolow LZ, Broder KR, et al. Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines: recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices — United States, 2017–18 influenza season. Recommendations and Reports. 2017;66(2);1–20.