Flu Vaccine Advice for Metabolic Patients 2026

• All children with a metabolic condition should get their flu vaccine every year
• Everyone else in the home who is eligible should also get their vaccine - this helps to protect the wider community and makes it less likely that someone who is vulnerable will get the flu
• Everyone can get the flu vaccine in their local pharmacy or with the GP - you do not need to come into hospital to have it
• There are two kinds of flu vaccine that children can get - one is an injection into the muscle and one is a spray into the nose. The nasal spray can be given to children between 2 and 17 years old. Children who are over 6 months old but under 2 years old must get the injection form of the vaccine.

Low Protein Diets

• Anyone with PKU, HCU or TYR can get either vaccine without contacting the metabolic team or making any changes to diet or medications
• Anyone else on a low protein diet should follow their "unwell" plan for vaccines for 48 hours after receiving the vaccine. You can speak to the metabolic nursing team to confirm what changes to make to diet and medications before you bring your child for their vaccine. 

Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders

• Children with MCADD, LCHADD, and VLCADD should follow their "unwell" plan for vaccines for 48 hours after receiving the vaccine. You can speak to the metabolic nursing team to confirm what changes to make to diet and medications before you bring your child for their vaccine. 

LARS

• Children with LARS should all receive the IM flu injection instead of the nasal vaccine. Monitor closely for fever.

All other conditions

• Flu vaccine is recommended and does not require discussion with the metabolic team.

• Metabolic Medicine Service Page
• HSE Advice for vaccine in children