Hi,I am Dr. Carol Rogala (Emergency Medicine). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
My adult son was injured in an motor vehicle accident in April, suffered a TBI, and is taking Symmetrel as one of three stimulant meds. Two others have been discontinued. As his caregiver, I would like him to have the flu vaccine. I am aware that he cannot have the live intranasal version, but can he have the killed virus injectable? Or is that vaccine completely killed vs. weakened? We have recently moved to a new locale immediately following his discharge from his final rehab facility. Although we have engaged a new PCP, our first appt. isn t til Nov. and i was instructed to use an urgent care facility if needed in the interim. My son has a Pm & R, but he doesn t have an answer for me. Thank you
Internal Medicine Specialist, Dr. Malik's Response
Hello,
Yes, it is recommended your son receive injection version of influenzavaccine (flu shot). The injection version is the inactivated form of the virus vs nasal spray is a live virus which is attenuated (weakened). National recommendations for vaccination, vary by country but generally, yearly influenza vaccination is recommended, to almost everyone, who is older than six months.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards, Dr. Malik
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How Can A Brain Injury Be Treated?
Hello, Yes, it is recommended your son receive injection version of influenza vaccine (flu shot). The injection version is the inactivated form of the virus vs nasal spray is a live virus which is attenuated (weakened). National recommendations for vaccination, vary by country but generally, yearly influenza vaccination is recommended, to almost everyone, who is older than six months. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Malik