FluMist (Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccine)
By Kidz1st Pediatrics
FluMist Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccine - Frequently Asked Questions
How is FluMist? different from the flu shot?
One way FluMist?, Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal, differs from the flu shot is the
way FluMist is administered as a nasal mist. FluMist is delivered into the nose, where the flu
virus can enter the body. In addition, FluMist is made from a live, attenuated (weakened)
virus, whereas the flu shot is made using a killed virus. Both vaccines contain the three
strains of influenza virus that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has selected as the
most likely to cause influenza in the coming flu season. FluMist has been shown to help
protect healthy people from the flu throughout the flu season. FluMist does not protect
100% of individuals vaccinated nor will it protect against influenza virus strains that are not
contained in the vaccine.
What is a live virus vaccine?
FluMist?, Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal, is a live, attenuated vaccine that uses a
modified (weakened) form of the influenza virus designed to stimulate a protective immune
response in the body, similar to the response your body would have after being exposed to
the influenza virus.
Can I get the flu from FluMist??
FluMist?, Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal, is a live, weakened vaccine that uses a
modified form of the influenza virus designed to stimulate a protective immune response in
the body (similar to the response your body would have after being exposed to the influenza
virus), without causing classic influenza disease.
Who can get vaccinated with FluMist??
FluMist?, Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal, is indicated for healthy children,
adolescents, and adults 5 to 49 years of age. Ask your doctor or health care professional if
FluMist is right for you and your family.
Who should not get vaccinated with FluMist??
You should not receive FluMist if you:
· are less than 5 years of age. In one study, an increase in asthmatic events was seen in
children under 5.
· are 50 years of age or older
· have an allergy or history of allergic reaction to chicken eggs or egg products or any
component of the vaccine (see Additional Information). Symptoms of a severe allergic
reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing; swelling of the
face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body; skin rash, itching, or hives.
· are a child or adolescent who regularly takes aspirin, or products containing aspirin
· have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome
· have a known or suspected immune deficiency disease or condition such as combined
immunodeficiency, agammaglobulinemia, HIV infection, thymic abnormalities, malignancy,
leukemia, or lymphoma
· are immunosuppressed or have altered or compromised immune status due to treatment
with systemic corticosteroids, alkylating drugs, antimetabolites, radiation or other
immunosuppressive therapies
· have a history of asthma or reactive airways disease
· have underlying medical conditions such as but not limited to chronic disorders of the
lungs and heart; or have had regularly scheduled follow-up visits or have been hospitalized
in the past year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney
dysfunction, or a hemoglobinopathy such as sickle cell disease
· are pregnant
Due to the possible transmission of vaccine virus, FluMist recipients should avoid being in
close (for example, within the same household) contact with immunocompromised
individuals for 3 weeks following vaccination.
Who should wait to get vaccinated with FluMist??
FluMist should not be given to anyone who has an illness with fever or a respiratory illness
until 3 days after symptoms have subsided. Since anti-influenza drugs may interfere with
FluMist, it is recommended that FluMist not be given until 48 hours following the end of
antiviral therapy and that antivirals not be given until 2 weeks after receiving FluMist
(unless otherwise directed by your health care professional).
Why should I consider asking my health care professional about vaccination with FluMist??
Having the flu can be a pretty unpleasant experience! People who get the flu may be in bed
for 3 or 4 days and have restricted activity for even longer. If you or anyone in your family
has had the flu, then you know it can cause you to miss work because of your own illness or
to care for a sick child who cannot go to school. Groups at risk of exposure to the flu virus
include school-aged children, teachers, parents, and working adults. Not all influenza
vaccines are appropriate for everyone. FluMist?, Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal, is
indicated for active immunization for the prevention of disease caused by influenza A and B
viruses in healthy children and adolescents, 5 to 17 years of age, and healthy adults, 18 to
49 years of age. So, ask your doctor or health care professional if FluMist is right for you
and your family.
What other important product information should I know about?
FluMist?, Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal, is indicated for active immunization for
the prevention of disease caused by influenza A and B viruses in healthy children and
adolescents, 5 to 17 years of age, and healthy adults, 18 to 49 years of age. FluMist is not
indicated for immunization of individuals less than 5 years of age, or 50 years of age and
older.
Side effects are generally mild and temporary. Runny nose is the most common. Others
include various cold-like symptoms, such as headache, cough, sore throat,
tiredness/weakness, irritability, and muscle aches. Side effects not seen in studies are
possible. There are risks associated with all vaccines, including FluMist. FluMist does not
protect 100% of individuals vaccinated. FluMist should not be used, under any
circumstances, in anyone with an allergy to any part of the vaccine, including eggs; in
children and adolescents receiving aspirin therapy; in people who have a history of Guillain-
Barré syndrome; and in people with known or suspected immune system problems.
Pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions, asthma, or reactive airways
disease should not get FluMist. Ask your health care professional if FluMist is right for you
and your family.
Will my insurance cover it?
Very few insurances cover FluMist. The very few that do cover FluMist do not pay enough to
cover the cost of the vaccine. Therefore, we will not bill any insurance for the FluMist
vaccine. You must pay for the vaccine prior to receiving it. We accept cash, checks, VISA,
MasterCard and debit cards. We will not bill you.