A 7-month-old infant is brought for influenza vaccination in October, ahead of the influenza season. He has never received influenza vaccine before and is otherwise healthy. What schedule should be followed?
- A Single dose now, then annually
- B Two doses at least 4 weeks apart in the first year, then a single dose annually ✓
- C Two doses 6 months apart, then annually
- D Vaccination is not recommended before 12 months of age
Correct answer: B. Two doses at least 4 weeks apart in the first year, then a single dose annually
Explanation
Inactivated influenza vaccine is recommended annually from 6 months of age. Children aged 6 months to 8 years receiving the vaccine for the first time require two doses at least 4 weeks apart in the first season, because the priming dose improves the antibody response to the second. From the following year a single annual dose suffices. The minimum licensed age is 6 months, not 12 months, so option D is incorrect.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.