Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding contraindications to receive flu vaccine as follows:
- Pregnant individuals are contraindicated for receiving the nasal spray flu vaccines.
- Individuals with history of poorly controlled respiratory ailments, such as, asthma and COPD, are contraindicated for receiving nasal spray flu vaccines, as nasal flu vaccines can cause side-effects of wheezing & difficulty breathing in some individuals.
- Individuals with current episode of severe unresolving respiratory tract infection or history of recurrent infections secondary to immunosuppression from various factors like chemotherapy/splenectomy/HIV infection etc., are contraindicated for receiving nasal spray flu vaccines.
- In very rare instances, flu shot is thought to contribute to a neurological condition, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Guillain- Barre syndrome is a health condition in which one’s own immune system attacks their nerves, resulting in damage to the nerves, which can lead to muscle weakness and in extreme cases, even paralysis. Infection with flu virus and receiving flu shot are believed to trigger this immune system damage to nerves in some individuals. Individuals with history of presentation with GBS following receipt of flu shot could be contraindicated for future flu shot administrations.
