Author:Rachel
Beham, PharmD, Advanced Clinical Pharmacist - Emergency
Medicine
Educational Pearls
CDC
recommends using the inactivated, injectable flu vaccine in those 6
months and older. The live attenuated vaccine is not used because
of low efficacy.
Pregnant women should be vaccinated, and can
receive the vaccine at any stage of their pregnancy.
The
vaccine is contraindicated ONLY in those with a history of a severe
anaphylactic reaction to the injection in the past.
Antivirals (oseltamivir, zanamivir)are useful for Flu A and B. Their dosing needs
to be adjusted for renal function, and it is contraindicated in
those with ESRD who are not receiving dialysis. It should be used
for prophylaxis in those with exposure and/or for the very young,
very old, morbidly obese, nursing home residents, and those who are
immunocompromised. They may be effective as long as 72 hours after
symptom onset.
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