Timing for Flu Vaccine and Other Immunizations in Infants

How long should one wait to receive the flu vaccine after getting other vaccines?

Hello, my baby was born on April 19, 2007, and is now six months old.
Due to a cold, the hexavalent vaccine was administered on October 27.
We plan to administer the pneumococcal vaccine on November 3.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Between the pneumococcal vaccine and the influenza vaccine, which one do you recommend prioritizing for administration? 2.
How long should we wait after the hexavalent vaccine or the pneumococcal vaccine before administering the other? 3.
Since this is my baby's first influenza vaccine, two doses are required.
How long should we wait to administer the second dose? 4.
Could you please tell me which pharmaceutical company produces the influenza vaccine (for ages 6 months to 2 years) used at your facility? Thank you for your response.

Qì'é māmā, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/10/29

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Dear Penguin Mama,
1.
Both the influenza vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine are inactivated vaccines, so they can be administered at the same time or at any interval without concern.
The side effects will not be amplified.
If you are worried that your child may feel more uncomfortable receiving two shots in one day, you can choose to administer them on different days.
The influenza vaccine is more seasonal than the pneumococcal vaccine, and it is currently available for free until supplies last, so I would recommend prioritizing the influenza vaccine.
2.
The hexavalent vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine are also inactivated vaccines, so they can be given simultaneously or at any interval without concern.
The side effects will not be amplified.
3.
Any child under the age of eight receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time must receive two doses, with at least a four-week interval between doses.
4.
Our hospital's influenza vaccine (for ages 6 months to 2 years) is produced by Pasteur and does not contain mercury.
Of course, even if it did contain mercury, it would not have adverse effects on infants, which is something the Department of Health has consistently emphasized.
Wishing you health and happiness!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Pei Ren-Sheng,
Director of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health

Reply Date: 2007/10/29

More Info

When it comes to immunizations for infants, timing and sequencing are crucial to ensure optimal protection against various diseases. Based on your questions regarding your baby, who was born on April 19, 2007, and is now six months old, here are detailed answers to your inquiries:
1. Prioritization of Pneumococcal Vaccine vs. Flu Vaccine: The pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) is generally prioritized over the flu vaccine, especially for infants. Pneumococcal disease can lead to severe infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that infants receive the pneumococcal vaccine series starting at 2 months of age. The flu vaccine, while important, is typically administered later in the year, and its urgency is less than that of the pneumococcal vaccine. Therefore, you should proceed with the pneumococcal vaccine on November 3, as planned.

2. Timing Between Vaccines: According to CDC guidelines, there is no required waiting period between the administration of the pneumococcal vaccine and the flu vaccine. However, it is generally advisable to space out vaccines to monitor for any potential side effects. A common recommendation is to wait at least 24 hours after receiving one vaccine before administering another, but this is not a strict rule. Since your baby has already received the hexavalent vaccine (which includes several immunizations) on October 27, it would be prudent to wait at least a few days to a week before administering the flu vaccine, allowing your baby to recover from any potential mild reactions to the previous vaccines.

3. Timing for the Second Dose of the Flu Vaccine: For infants receiving the flu vaccine for the first time, two doses are required, spaced at least 4 weeks apart. Since you plan to administer the first dose of the flu vaccine after the pneumococcal vaccine, you should schedule the second dose at least four weeks after the first dose. This means if the first dose is given on November 3, the second dose should be scheduled for early December.

4. Manufacturer of the Flu Vaccine: The specific manufacturer of the flu vaccine can vary by year and availability. In the United States, several manufacturers produce flu vaccines for infants aged 6 months to 2 years, including but not limited to Sanofi Pasteur, GlaxoSmithKline, and Seqirus. It is best to check with your healthcare provider or the clinic where you plan to get the vaccine to confirm which specific vaccine they will be administering.

In summary, prioritize the pneumococcal vaccine, allow a few days after the hexavalent vaccine before administering the flu vaccine, and ensure that the second flu vaccine dose is given at least four weeks after the first. Always consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice and to confirm the specific vaccines available at your healthcare facility. Vaccination is a critical step in protecting your child's health, and staying on schedule is essential for effective immunization.

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