Bukina explains when flu vaccination may be postponed or ruled out

Iraida Bukina of Pirogov University discussed reasons for postponing or ruling out flu vaccination in comments reported on October 9. The decision depends on the specific vaccine and the patient's condition.

Bukina cited illness, a flare-up of a chronic condition and fever as reasons for postponement. A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or a vaccine component requires a separate contraindication assessment. Age restrictions also vary by vaccine.

Guillain–Barré syndrome should not automatically be treated as an absolute ban on all vaccination. CDC flu guidance identifies special precautions when the syndrome developed within six weeks of a previous dose. Decisions require weighing benefits and risks.

The source's suggested two-to-four-week interval after another vaccination is not a universal rule. According to CDC guidance, non-live vaccines generally do not require that gap, while certain live vaccines given on separate days should be spaced at least four weeks apart.

A stable chronic condition does not itself rule out protection against flu. Egg allergy and vaccine allergy are also different. CDC permits an age- and health-appropriate flu vaccine for people with egg allergy. In Russia, the instructions for the registered vaccine must be considered.