For the upcoming 2018-2019 flu vaccination season, the American Academy of Pediatrics is advising parents to choose the flu shot.
In February 2018, ACIP decided to make LAIV4 available for the 2018-2019 flu season, based on indirect study data from the manufacturer suggesting their new formulation would be effective, as well as a review of other published research.
However, upon review of the same data, the AAP recommends children receive the injectable form of the vaccine, which was shown to be more consistently effective against most strains of the flu virus over the past several flu seasons. For those children who would otherwise receive no flu vaccine, the AAP says the nasal spray vaccine can be given as a last resort, though it could leave them at higher risk for flu than if they had received the flu shot.
AAP will publish its formal policy statement on flu prevention and treatment in September.