Influenza is an epidemic disease in both children and adults that can be life-threatening. Prevention of influenza is thus important and should not be neglected, especially getting vaccinated against influenza every year. Currently, there is a nasal spray influenza vaccine developed for children and those who prefer immunity without injections.
What is the nasal spray influenza vaccine?
The nasal spray influenza vaccine (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine: LAIV) is a live attenuated vaccine administered through the nostrils to stimulate immune responses in the respiratory mucosa. It effectively prevents and reduces the severity of the disease without the need for injections, thus avoiding pain. It should be administered nasally once a year to generate immunity against the influenza strains that change annually, and it can substitute injections.
Who is suitable for the nasal spray influenza vaccine?
The nasal spray influenza vaccine is suitable for children and adults aged between 2 – 49 years. It’s essential to consult a specialist doctor before receiving the vaccine to ensure it’s appropriate for individuals, as the nasal spray vaccine is a weakened live vaccine with certain contraindications and is not suitable for everyone.
Side effects after receiving the nasal spray influenza vaccine
If there are side effects after receiving the nasal spray influenza vaccine, they usually resolve themselves within 1 – 2 days
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Low fever, headache
- Cough, sneeze, mild sore throat
Individuals with limitations in receiving the nasal spray influenza vaccine
- Pregnant women should receive the injectable influenza vaccine. The nasal spray vaccine is not recommended.
- Individuals with severe chronic diseases should consult a doctor before receiving the nasal spray vaccine.
- Individuals with immune deficiencies, such as HIV, those on immunosuppressive drugs, and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, should receive the injectable influenza vaccine. The nasal spray vaccine is not recommended.
- Individuals with a history of allergies to ingredients of the vaccine
Advantages of the nasal spray influenza vaccine
- The process of administering the vaccine nasally is quick and convenient.
- Stimulates immunity in both the respiratory mucosa and in the blood, offering better benefits than injectable vaccines.
- The vaccine can be administered more easily, without pain, and requires no injections.
- It acts quickly.
- Low side effects
- Quickly prevents epidemic spread
How do the nasal spray and injectable influenza vaccines differ?
Both nasal spray and injectable influenza vaccines have similar efficacy in preventing and reducing the severity of the disease. However, they differ in that the nasal spray vaccine uses a weakened live virus sprayed into the nose, which does not cause disease but stimulates immunity directly at the respiratory mucosa. In contrast, the injectable influenza vaccine uses virus protein injected into the muscle. Both types stimulate blood immunity effectively.
How much can the nasal spray influenza vaccine help reduce the spread?
The nasal spray influenza vaccine helps reduce community spread, especially among children and teenagers. This group has the highest flu infection rates and can spread the virus longer than adults. Vaccination in this group, therefore, helps reduce community transmission and the outbreak effectively.
Pediatrics Center
Specialist doctors in influenza treatment
Dr..Porntep Suandok Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist Pediatrics Center Bangkok Hospital
Click here to schedule an appointment.
Hospitals that offer nasal spray influenza vaccines for children
Bangkok Hospital Pediatrics Center effectively prevents influenza with the nasal spray vaccine without injections. It is an alternative suitable for young children and those afraid of needles, administered by specialized doctors to prevent and mitigate the severity of influenza.
For those interested in treatment, please contact
Pediatrics Center Bangkok Hospital (Su.Research Center)
Tel. 0 2755 1006 or 0 2310 3006
Vaccine Clinic
Specialist doctors in influenza treatment
Dr..Thanin Jiamjunkupt Internal Medicine Specialist in Infectious Diseases Vaccine Clinic Bangkok Hospital
Click here to schedule an appointment.
Hospitals offering nasal spray influenza vaccines
Vaccine Clinic, Bangkok Hospital effectively prevents influenza with the nasal spray vaccine without injections. An alternative option suitable for young children and those afraid of needles, administered by specialized doctors to prevent and reduce the severity of influenza.
For those interested in treatment, please contact
Vaccine Clinic Bangkok Hospital (Su.Research Center)
Tel. 02-755-1003 or 02-310-3003
or make an appointment via LineOA Vaccine Clinic 👉 https://bkhos.co/SuAjvp
