Is LAIV a safe vaccine?
Yes. LAIV is indicated for specific groups of people who are “healthy” and who do not have direct contact with people with severe immune system problems. The development of the live attenuated influenza vaccine has been ongoing since the 1960s. Prior to licensure, the safety of LAIV was studied in 20 clinical trials. More than 6,000 clinical trial participants were in the approved age range of 5 to 49 years. In healthy children there were no significant differences between vaccine and placebo recipients. Serious adverse reactions have been identified in less than one percent of LAIV recipients, either children or adults, since licensure.The development of the live attenuated influenza vaccine has been ongoing since the 1960s. Prior to licensure, the safety of LAIV was studied in 20 clinical trials. More than 6,000 clinical trial participants were in the approved age range of 5 to 49 years. In healthy children there were no significant differences between vaccine and placebo recipients.