Preparation of inactivated influenza vaccines Inactivated flu vaccines are presented as prefilled syringes for intramuscular injection. Vaccines in prefilled syringes may contain an air bubble. This should not be expelled unless it is specifically stated to do so in the vaccine SmPC. To try to expel it risks accidently expelling some of the vaccine and therefore not giving the patient the full dose. Once injected, the air bubble forms an airlock preventing the vaccine seeping out along the needle track into subcutaneous tissue and onto the skin. The small bolus of air injected following administration of the vaccine clears the needle and prevents a localised reaction to the vaccination (19). Preparation of LAIV
Each LAIV is supplied in a prefilled applicator for intranasal administration. The applicator contains 0.2ml of LAIV and a dose divider clip enables the vaccine to be administered as a half dose of 0.1ml into each nostril. The dose divider clip should not be removed until the first half dose has been administered.