Technically Speaking: Is It 0.25 Milliliters Or 0.5 Milliliters? What Is the Correct Dose of Injectable Flu Vaccine for Children Younger Than 3 Years of Age?

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Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers

Determining the correct dosage of influenza vaccine for children 6 months to 3 years of age has become more challenging in recent years. Until recently, only one injectable influenza vaccine was licensed for children in this age group. Currently, four injectable vaccines are approved for these young children, and their dosages vary from product to product.

Be sure you administer the correct dose according to the vaccine brand(s) you have available in your clinic.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Afluria® (Seqirus): For children age 6–35 months, give 0.25 milliliters. For children age 3 years and older, give 0.5 milliliters.
  • Fluarix® and FluLaval® (GSK): For children age 6 months and older, give 0.5 milliliters.
  • Fluzone® (Sanofi): For children age 6–35 months, give either 0.25 milliliters or 0.5 milliliters. (Yes, you really can give either dosage.) For children age 3 years and older, give 0.5 milliliters.

Additional flu vaccines for children:

  • Flucelvax® (Seqirus): Children must be age 4 years or older to receive this vaccine. Give 0.5 milliliters.
  • FluMist® (AstraZeneca): Children must be age 2 years or older to receive this nasal spray vaccine.

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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.