MGH Influenza Vaccine Program for 2002-3

The MGH Influenza Vaccine Program for 2002-3
John Vetrano, RPh Senior Attending Pharmacist
Volume XII, Issue 10

Last month's Drug Therapy focused on influenza, and included information on vaccines and antivirals. This issue provides more information about the MGH influenza vaccine program.

The influenza vaccine has arrived at MGH. All patients and patient caregivers should be vaccinated as soon as possible.

Important points to remember:

All inpatients at MGH should be offered the influenza vaccine at discharge. This will prevent patients from inadvertently being vaccinated more than once, which would increase the risk of systemic side effects.
Children under the age of 9 who have not been vaccinated in the past require two vaccine shots four weeks apart. The dose for pediatric patients is 0.25ml for patients 6 - 35 months. Patients 3-8 years of age should receive 0.5ml. There are currently no safety data in children less than 6 months of age; these patients should not be vaccinated. The multi-dose vial can be used in patients 4 years of age and older; the single-dose syringe can be used in patients 6 months of age and older.
Patients with latex allergies may still receive the vaccine, but it needs to be prepared using special technique to avoid latex.
The vaccine is contraindicated in patients who have had a previous severe reaction or have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs. Please see package insert for additional precautions.
Other useful information about the influenza vaccine can be found at:

For information on vaccine availability call, toll free, 877-733-3737.

Thanks to Nancy Balch, PharmD, Senior Attending Pharmacist, for her assistance with this article.