Handling of Influenza Vaccines (Nursing)

00:00 As Healthcare Providers, it's important that we stay up-to-date on information.

00:05 Now this right here the advisory committee on immunization practices, the ACIP is the one who makes the recommendations for our country.

00:13 Now, if you want to know the latest recommendations just go to CDC.gov/flu.

00:20 Let me give you some of the latest or most current ones but encourage you that these do change so always check the web site to be sure.

00:28 Now routine annual vaccinations for or all persons six months of age or older.

00:33 A licensed age appropriate influenza vaccine for IIV, RIV4, LAIV4 should be used.

00:42 Make sure you consult the package information for age indications.

00:45 Emphasis should be placed on vaccinations of high-risk groups and their contacts or caregivers.

00:52 When vaccine supply is limited, vaccination efforts should focus on delivering vaccinations to those who are at highest risk for developing influenza or complications from influenza.

01:03 Now Health Care team members are considered high risk because they're potential rate of exposure.

01:09 Vaccination should be offered by the end of October.

01:12 However vaccination should continue to be offered as long as influenza viruses are circulating in an unexpired vaccine is available.

01:21 Children age 6 months through eight years who require two doses should receive their first dose as soon as possible after the vaccine becomes available.

01:31 The second dose greater than or equal to 4 weeks later.

01:35 In all cases, manufacturer packaging information should be consulted for authoritative guidance regarding the storage and handling of that particular influenza vaccine.

01:47 When vaccine supply is limited, vaccination efforts should focus on delivering vaccinations to those at highest risk.

01:54 Those are risk for developing influenza or even the complications from influenza should they contract the disease.

02:01 Vaccine should be protected from light and stored at recommended temperatures.

02:05 Influenza vaccines are recommended to be stored refrigerated between the temperature listing that you see there.

02:12 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

02:15 Vaccine that has been frozen should be discarded and cannot be used.

02:20 Single-dose vials should not be accessed for more than one dose.

02:24 Multiple dose vials should be returned to recommended storage conditions between uses, so you don't want to leave them sitting out on a counter.

02:32 And once initially access, they should not be kept beyond the recommended period of time.

02:38 Vaccine should not be used after the expiration date on the label.

02:43 So for the immunocompromised, the recommendations are that an immunocompromised person should receive an age-appropriate IIV or RIV4.

02:53 The LAIV4 should not be used for immunocompromised persons.

02:58 Now if the patient is immunocompromised, keep in mind, they're immune response to vaccines might be blunted if they're immunocompromised.

03:06 Their immune system just can't respond the way we need it to to have an appropriate response to create antibodies.

03:14 Timing of vaccinations might be a consideration.

03:17 For example in some period before or after an immunocompromising intervention or medication.