FluMist

LAIV (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine) is an alternative to the injected influenza vaccine (a normal flu shot). LAIV contains the live but attenuated (weakened) influenza virus, and is sprayed into the nostrils. People who receive the FluMist or any live vaccination must wait 4 weeks before receiving another live vaccine.

About Influenza

Influenza is caused by a virus that spreads from one infected person to another by nose or throat. Influenza viruses are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. People can also become infected by touching a surface or object with the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Influenza can cause:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Coughing
• Headache
• Muscle and body aches

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, runny or stuffy nose, and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults). 

Symptoms typically appear suddenly and can range from mild to severe. Most people recover within a few days to less than two weeks, but some individuals are at higher risk for complications. High-risk groups include older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. Anyone can get influenza, and influenza causes an average of 36,000 deaths each year in the US

Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting influenza and its potentially serious complications. Even when the vaccine does not completely prevent infection, it can significantly reduce the severity of illness and the likelihood of hospitalization.

FluMist vs. Flu Shot

Your average flu shot is by injection, and is approved for nearly everyone six months and older, including pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. Mild soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect, and special formulations are available for adults 65 and older as well as those with egg allergies.

Instead of an injection, FluMist is a quick spray of mist in each nostril, one of the places where the flu virus enters the body. Once administered by your healthcare provider, FluMist helps your body develop proteins called antibodies that help protect you from the flu. Like the chicken pox vaccine, FluMist is a weakened live virus vaccine. That means it is made from a live virus that has been designed not to cause the flu. For needle-averse kids, it can be a welcome alternative.

For most healthy people aged 2 to 49 without any contraindications, both options offer solid protection. The flu shot remains the more universal choice across all ages and health situations, but FluMust may be a better fit for you. Stop by our clinic and our staff will help you determine which vaccine is the best fit for you and your family.

Safety and Eligibility Information

Who May be Eligible for FluMist?

FluMist is a vaccine approved for the prevention of certain types of influenza disease in children, adolescents, and adults 2-49 years of age. FluMist may not protect everyone who gets it. FluMist is for intranasal administration only.

Who May Not be Able to Get FluMist?

FluMist is not right for everyone. FluMist must not be given to: 

• People with history of hypersensitivity to eggs, egg proteins, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine
• People with life-threatening reactions to previous influenza vaccinations
• Children and adolescents receiving aspirin or aspirin-containing therapy
• Children less than 24 months of age
• People with asthma or active wheezing, or children less than 5 years of age with recurrent wheezing
• People with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
• People with a weakened immune system;
• People with long-term medical conditions including heart disease, kidney disease, and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes
• Pregnant women

If you or your child falls into one of these groups, be sure to tell your healthcare provider. They will decide if FluMist is right for your child.

Most Common Side Effects of FluMist

Most common side effects included a runny nose or nasal congestion, a mild sore throat or fever. Worried about side effects or have extra questions? Call or walk in to The Shot Nurse today!