Ask the VEC: Why Shouldn’t I Get Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccine?

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Parents PACK

Q: I heard that I should not get the nasal spray influenza vaccine this year. Why is that?

A: The nasal spray influenza vaccine is not recommended this year because it has not been effective in recent years. Researchers are trying to determine why this happened, but until then the vaccine should not be used. For more information, watch this short video of Dr. Paul Offit, VEC Director, discussing the recommendation. 

Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.

You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.