Although vaccinated children are known to shed virus a few days after vaccination, the vaccine virus that is shed is less able to spread from person to person than the natural infection. The amount of virus shed is normally below the levels needed to pass on infection (transmit) to others and the virus does not
Although vaccinated children are known to shed the virus a few days after vaccination, the vaccine virus that is shed is less able to spread from person to person than the natural infection. The amount of virus shed is normally below the levels needed to pass on infection (transmit) to others and the virus does
All pregnant women are advised to have flu vaccine to protect them and their newborn child. If you have a PID then live vaccine should not be used (but these are not licensed for adults so should not be an issue).
Vaccines reduce the likelihood of getting an infection and often reduce how badly a person will be affected if infection still occurs. Some people with immunodeficiency will be able to be vaccinated, but their responses may not be as good as individuals with fully functioning immune systems. Vaccinating family members or close household contacts with
There is a theoretical potential for transmission of live attenuated influenza virus in Fluenz Tetra® to immunocompromised contacts for one to two weeks following vaccination. In the US, where there has been extensive use of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine, there have been no reported instances of illness or infections from the vaccine virus among
No Fluenz is a live nasal vaccine and should not be given to children with a PID. Other killed; injectable flu vaccines may be recommended. You should speak to your immunology team for advice.
In general, there is no contraindication between having immunoglobulin therapy and killed vaccines, but if the two are given close together and there are high levels of antibody in the Ig to the vaccine then the efficacy is likely to be impaired. Please check with your immunology team about the appropriate timing.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The information contained on this website is intended only as a guideline, not as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor
if you or your child has any immunodeficiency symptoms or concerns. © 2025 Immunodeficiency UK. All rights reserved | Registered charity number 1193166.
