2011 -2012 Flu Season
Frequently Asked Questions - Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
Is the nasal-spray seasonal flu vaccine LAIV (FluMistŪ) effective?
Yes, the nasal spray flu vaccine is as effective as the flu shot.
Who can be vaccinated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMist®)?
LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Who should not be vaccinated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMistŪ)?
- People less than 2 years of age
- People 50 years of age and over
- People with a medical condition that places them at high risk for complications from influenza, including those with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma or reactive airways disease; people with medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure; or people with illnesses that weaken the immune system, or who take medications that can weaken the immune system.
- Children <5 years old with a history of recurrent wheezing
- Children or adolescents receiving aspirin
- People with a history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine
- Pregnant women
- People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or who are allergic to any of the nasal spray vaccine components.
Can the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMistŪ) be given to patients when they are ill?
The nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMistŪ) can be given to people with minor illnesses (e.g., diarrhea or mild upper respiratory tract infection with or without fever). However, if nasal congestion is present that might limit delivery of the vaccine to the nasal lining, then delaying of vaccination until the nasal congestion is reduced should be considered.
Can people receiving the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMistŪ) pass the vaccine viruses to others?
The current estimated risk of getting infected with vaccine virus after close contact with a person vaccinated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is low.
What side effects are associated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMistŪ)?
In children, side effects can include runny nose, headache, wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. In adults, side effects can include runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. Fever is not a common side effect in adults receiving the nasal-spray flu vaccine.
How often should the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMistŪ) be given?
One dose of LAIV should be given during each influenza season. Children ages 2 to 9 years of age who require two doses (those receiving influenza vaccine for the first time or those vaccinated for the first time during the previous influenza season but who only received one dose) should receive the two doses at least 28 or more days apart.
Can people who received inactivated influenza vaccine (the flu shot) last year get the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMistŪ) this year?
Yes, people who got inactivated influenza vaccine (the flu shot) last year can get the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMistŪ) this year.
Can the nasal spray flu vaccine give you the flu?
Unlike the flu shot, the nasal spray flu vaccine does contain live viruses. However, the viruses are weakened and cannot cause flu illness. The weakened viruses are cold-adapted, which means they are designed to only cause infection at the cooler temperatures found within the nose. The viruses cannot infect the lungs or other areas where warmer temperatures exist. Some children and young adults 2-17 years of age have reported experiencing mild reactions after receiving nasal spray flu vaccine, including runny nose, nasal congestion or cough, chills, tiredness/weakness, sore throat and headache. Some adults 18-49 years of age have reported runny nose or nasal congestion, cough, chills, tiredness/weakness, sore throat and headache. These side effects are mild and short-lasting, especially when compared to symptoms of influenza infection.
Does the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMistŪ) contain thimerosal?
No, the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMistŪ) does not contain thimerosal or any other preservative.
Source: The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
