In a rather dramatic decision affecting this year’s flu season, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has voted that the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV, FluMist) should not be used this fall. The decision came after ACIP reviewed data showing vaccine effectiveness for LAIV of only 3%. This means that use of the vaccine resulted in no measurable protective benefit last year. In comparison, injectable flu vaccine resulted in a 63% rate of vaccine effectiveness. The committee issued a statement on June 22 that concluded, “In light of the evidence for poor effectiveness of LAIV — the live attenuated influenza vaccine, otherwise known as FluMist — in the United States over the last three influenza seasons, for the upcoming 2016-2017 season, the ACIP makes the interim recommendation that FluMist should not be used.” ACIP continues recommending annual flu vaccination, with either the inactivated influenza vaccine or recombinant influenza vaccine for everyone ≥ 6 months of age. The CDC has yet to issue a final ruling on flu vaccines this year, but usually follows the ACIP’s guidance.
The decision came after a committee reviewed data showing vaccine effectiveness for the live attenuated influenza vaccine of only 3%.
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