Can the influenza vaccine be administered one week after a measles‑containing vaccine (e.g., MMR) in a healthy individual?

Can Flu Vaccine Be Given 1 Week After Measles Vaccine?

Yes, inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) can be safely administered one week after a measles-containing vaccine without any waiting period, as inactivated vaccines do not interfere with immune responses to live vaccines. 1

Type of Influenza Vaccine Matters

Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV)

• Inactivated influenza vaccines can be administered at any interval after MMR or other measles-containing vaccines—including just one week later—with no restrictions. 1
• Inactivated vaccines do not interfere with the immune response to other inactivated vaccines or to live vaccines, allowing completely flexible scheduling. 1, 2
• There is no medical reason to delay IIV after receiving a live vaccine like MMR. 1

Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV - Nasal Spray)

• If using LAIV (nasal spray flu vaccine), you must wait at least 4 weeks after the measles vaccine, so one week is too soon. 1
• After administration of a live vaccine (such as MMR), at least 4 weeks should pass before another live vaccine like LAIV is administered. 1
• This 4-week interval requirement applies only when both vaccines are live attenuated vaccines. 1

Evidence Supporting Concurrent or Close Administration

• Studies demonstrate that LAIV administered concurrently (same day) with MMR and varicella vaccines in children aged 12-15 months showed no interference with immunogenicity to antigens in any of the vaccines. 1, 3
• Seroresponse rates were ≥96% for MMR components and equivalent whether vaccines were given together or separately. 3
• The safety profiles were comparable with concurrent versus separate administration. 3

Practical Algorithm

For inactivated flu vaccine (injection):

• Administer immediately at one week post-MMR without concern. 1
• Use separate anatomical sites if giving other injectable vaccines simultaneously. 2

For live attenuated flu vaccine (nasal spray):

• Wait until 4 weeks have elapsed since the measles vaccine. 1
• Alternatively, if urgent flu protection is needed, switch to IIV instead, which can be given at any interval. 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not unnecessarily delay inactivated influenza vaccine after MMR, as this increases the risk of missing the optimal protection window during flu season. 2
• Do not confuse the rules for live versus inactivated vaccines—only live-to-live vaccine spacing requires a 4-week interval. 1
• Verify which type of influenza vaccine is being used (injectable IIV versus nasal spray LAIV) before determining the appropriate timing. 1