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What is Flumist®?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

FluMist® is an intranasal flu vaccine which is delivered by spraying liquid up the nose. This alternative to the flu shot can be delivered annually before the start of flu season. A dose of FluMist® costs slightly more than a flu shot, but this form of the flu vaccine can sometimes be more readily available, in addition to being more comfortable and convenient than a traditional shot. Many facilities which offer flu vaccinations have FluMist® available for people who would prefer it.

This vaccination is made with live attenuated influenza viruses (LAIV), tailored to the given flu season. MedImmune, Inc, the manufacturer of the vaccine, works with researchers to identify flu strains which are likely to occur during flu season while preparing the vaccine. There are a number of people for whom vaccination with FluMist® is contraindicated because it can be unsafe. People should make sure to fully disclose their medical history before getting the vaccination, in case they are in one of the risk categories.

Precautions against the seasonal flu include vaccinations and staying in overall good health.
Precautions against the seasonal flu include vaccinations and staying in overall good health.

As of 2009, FluMist® was approved for use in healthy individuals between the ages of two and 49. Pregnant women, while hopefully healthy, cannot safely take the vaccine because it might pose a risk to the baby, but FluMist® is approved for use in breastfeeding women. People who have recently taken antiviral drugs, especially if they took drugs for flu, should wait for these drugs to clear their systems before taking FluMist®, as otherwise the lingering drugs may counteract with the vaccine.

Flumist is an alternative to getting a flu shot.
Flumist is an alternative to getting a flu shot.

This vaccine is also not recommended in use for people with egg allergies, or in people who have contact with severely immunosuppressed individuals. While the risk of passing viruses to others is fairly low, it could be very dangerous for someone with a suppressed immune system, and it's better to avoid the risk. Children between ages two and eight will need to take two doses of the vaccine for it to be fully effective.

The flu vaccine nasal spray may cause a mild initial infection of the nasal passages in some individuals.
The flu vaccine nasal spray may cause a mild initial infection of the nasal passages in some individuals.

Side effects of the FluMist® vaccine include headaches, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, and nausea in children. Fever is not a common side effect, and people who develop fever after vaccination should contact a doctor. People should also be aware that the vaccine only provides protection against certain strains of flu, and that flu viruses mutate quickly, which means that it is impossible to provide full protection. Even after vaccination, people should observe precautions such as regular handwashing to reduce the risk of contracting influenza.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Precautions against the seasonal flu include vaccinations and staying in overall good health.
      By: emde71
      Precautions against the seasonal flu include vaccinations and staying in overall good health.
    • Flumist is an alternative to getting a flu shot.
      By: evgenyb
      Flumist is an alternative to getting a flu shot.
    • The flu vaccine nasal spray may cause a mild initial infection of the nasal passages in some individuals.
      By: robyelo357
      The flu vaccine nasal spray may cause a mild initial infection of the nasal passages in some individuals.
    • Some evidence indicates that the flu vaccine nasal spray may provide better protection for children than the flu shot.
      By: Zsolt Biczó
      Some evidence indicates that the flu vaccine nasal spray may provide better protection for children than the flu shot.
    • Flumist, an intranasal alternative to the flu shot, is no substitute for frequent hand washing during flu season.
      By: peacebuts
      Flumist, an intranasal alternative to the flu shot, is no substitute for frequent hand washing during flu season.