A colleague from Northern California comments that AABB standard 5.4.1A states that receiving a live attenuated vaccine results in a two-week deferral. He points out that with the current shortage of injectable flu vaccine, individuals may opt to receive a nasal spray flu vaccine. He adds that this vaccine contains live attenuated flu virus. He wants to know if others are planning on deferring donors who have used this vaccine.

The following responses have been received.

1. A colleague in Los Angeles comments that AABB Standard 5.4.1A lists two different deferral periods (either 2-week or 4-week deferral) following receipt of attenuated viral vaccines, which are dependent upon the virus for which the vaccine is administered. He also points out that the nasal flu vaccine is NOT listed in either group of attenuated vaccines for which a deferral is listed. He suggests that donor centers seek guidance from the regulatory/accrediting agencies as to what, if any deferral period to impose.

2. Editor's note: details about nasal flu vaccine can be found at http://www.flumist.com/pdf/prescribinginfo.pdf

ADDENDA Oct 20, 2004

3. A blood center medical director in the Great Lakes area reminds us that this issue has been addressed in AABB Association Bulletin 03-13. In essence, no deferral is required.

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Ira A. Shulman, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Editor & Moderator