FluMist (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not get FluMist?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive FluMist.

• FluMist
• Influenza vaccine live
• A previous dose of flu vaccine
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in FluMist.

Drug Interactions. FluMist should not be used in some people who are taking certain other medicines. Before receiving FluMist, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about FluMist before getting it?

FluMist is a nasal spray that may be given by a health care provider in a pharmacy, clinic, or hospital. It may also be given at home. If you get FluMist for home use, follow the "Instructions for Use" that come with the product. If you have questions about how to correctly use FluMist, ask your pharmacist or other health care provider.

Depending on their age and vaccination history, some children may need more than one dose of FluMist. Make sure that you or your child gets all doses of FluMist that your health care provider recommends. FluMist helps protect you from serious infections caused by influenza viruses.

A Vaccine Information Statement should be provided to you by your health care provider before each vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.

Children ages 2 through 17 years should avoid taking medicines or other products that contain salicylates, such as aspirin, for 4 weeks after receiving FluMist. There are reports of Reye’s syndrome in people taking salicylates while infected with the flu. See the Interactions section for more details.

In very rare cases, a person who has received FluMist may be able to pass influenza vaccine virus to close contacts, such as people they live with. This can lead to the flu. After getting FluMist, avoid close contact with people who have a severely weakened immune system, especially if they need to use special precautions to limit exposure to germs.

Getting FluMist can lower your chances of getting the flu. It does not guarantee you will not get it. Talk with your health care provider about ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu.

What should I tell my health care provider before getting FluMist?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if FluMist is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

• Allergy to eggs or egg protein
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Heart problems
• Kidney problems
• Lung problems, including asthma or wheezing
• Have or live with someone who has a weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system, such as radiation or chemotherapy
• Diabetes

Vaccines. Tell your health care provider if you have recently received a vaccine or have any scheduled. FluMist can usually be given on the same day as other vaccines. In some cases, FluMist may need to be spaced apart from other vaccines by a certain length of time.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know which flu vaccine is safe for you.

Breastfeeding. FluMist is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about FluMist?

For more information about FluMist, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.flumist.com or call them at 877-633-4411.