At what age is the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) no longer recommended?

The live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is recommended for healthy, non-pregnant individuals aged between 2 and 49 years. As people reach 50 years of age, the immune system typically begins to weaken, and the effectiveness and safety profile of the live attenuated vaccine is not as well established for older adults. Therefore, LAIV is no longer recommended for individuals at or above this age due to a combination of safety concerns and lower efficacy in older populations.

Immunization guidelines emphasize using inactivated influenza vaccines for older adults, as they have a more established track record for safety and effectiveness in that demographic. Thus, the correct answer aligns with the age limit set for LAIV, which helps ensure optimal protection against influenza in the populations for whom it is intended.