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Is It 0.25 mL or 0.5 mL? What Is the Correct Dose of Injectable Flu Vaccine for Children Younger Than 3?

September 2020

Technically Speaking
Monthly Column by Deborah Wexler, MD
Deborah Wexler MD
IAC Executive Director Dr. Deborah Wexler writes Technically Speaking, a column featured in each issue of Vaccine Update for Healthcare Professionals, the monthly e-newsletter from the Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Technically Speaking columns cover practical topics in immunization delivery such as vaccine administration techniques, storage and handling, contraindications and precautions, and scheduling.
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TECHNICALLY SPEAKING
Is It 0.25 mL or 0.5 mL? What Is the Correct Dose of Injectable Flu Vaccine for Children Younger Than 3?
Published September 2020
Determining the correct dosage of influenza vaccine for children 6 months to 3 years of age has become more challenging in recent years. Until recently, only one injectable influenza vaccine was licensed for children in this age group. Currently, four injectable vaccines are approved for these young children, and their dosages vary from product to product.

Be sure you administer the correct dose according to the vaccine brand(s) you have available in your clinic.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Afluria (Seqirus): For children age 6–35 months, give 0.25 mL. For children age 3 years and older, give 0.5 mL.
  • Fluarix and FluLaval (GSK): For children age 6 months and older, give 0.5 mL.
  • Fluzone (Sanofi): For children age 6–35 months, give either 0.25 mL or 0.5 mL. (Yes, you really can give either dosage.) For children age 3 years and older, give 0.5 mL.

Additional flu vaccines for children:

  • Flucelvax (Seqirus): Children must be age 4 years or older to receive this vaccine. Give 0.5 mL.
  • FluMist (AstraZeneca): Children must be age 2 years or older to receive this nasal spray vaccine.

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