FluMist. Influenza Vaccine, Live Intranasal FluMist or Flushot? Watch Our Commercial Like us on Facebook
Read Important Safety and Eligiblity Information

ALL ABOUT FLUMIST®:
FluMist or Flu Shot?

A shot in the arm or a spray in the nose?

Here's some information to help you make an informed pick:
  • A flu vaccine given with one spray in each nostril
  • Made with the live, weakened flu virus designed not to cause the flu
  • Contains the 3 strains recommended by the CDC
  • Starts working by producing antibodies in the nose, where flu usually starts
  • Available for eligible people ages 2 to 49
  • Free of preservatives, including thimerosal and mercury, and is latex-free
  • The most common side effects of FluMist are runny or stuffy nose; sore throat and fever over 100° F
  • A flu vaccine injected using a needle
  • Made with inactivated or killed flu virus designed not to cause the flu
  • Contains the 3 strains recommended by the CDC
  • Primarily makes antibodies carried in the bloodstream to help fight the flu
  • Available for eligible people 6 months and older
  • Some formulations of the inactivated influenza vaccine contain the preservative thimerosal, while others do not. Some formulations are also latex-free. Ask your doctor to clarify this for you
  • The most common side effects of the flu shot are soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, low grade fever, and aches
To learn more visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

 

Both the flu shot and FluMist are vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the best way to help prevent the flu.

No one vaccine is right for everyone, so talk to your doctor about which is best for each member of your family.

Flu Vaccine with Live (Weakened) Virus

Live vaccines, such as the ones used to help prevent chicken pox, rotavirus, and the flu, contain weakened live viruses that help the body build immunity — but are engineered not to cause disease. FluMist is a nasal flu vaccine that starts working by stimulating an immune response in the lining of the nose — where the flu virus usually enters your body.

Flu Vaccine with Inactivated (Dead) Virus

The flu shot contains influenza strains that are inactivated and do not cause the flu. They're injected into the muscle, then absorbed by the bloodstream to engage the immune system to create antibodies and help the body build immunity.

Healthcare Professionals
Important Safety and Eligibility Information

What is FluMist® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal)?
FluMist is a vaccine that is sprayed into the nose to help protect against influenza. It can be used in children, adolescents, and adults ages 2 through 49. FluMist may not prevent influenza in everyone who gets vaccinated.

Who should not get FluMist?
You should not get FluMist if you: are allergic to eggs, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine; have ever had a life-threatening reaction to influenza vaccinations; or are 2 through 17 years old and take aspirin or medicines containing aspirin—children or adolescents should not be given aspirin for 4 weeks after getting FluMist unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

Children under 2 years old should not get FluMist because there is a chance they may wheeze (have difficulty with breathing) after getting FluMist.

Who may not be able to get FluMist?
Tell your healthcare provider if you: are currently wheezing; have a history of wheezing if under 5 years old; have had Guillain-Barré syndrome; have a weakened immune system or live with someone who has a severely weakened immune system; have problems with your heart, kidneys, or lungs; have diabetes; are pregnant or nursing; or are taking Tamiflu®, Relenza®, amantadine, or rimantadine.

They will decide if FluMist is right for you.

What are the most common side effects of FluMist?
The most common side effects of FluMist are runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; and fever over 100 degrees F.

Please see the accompanying complete Product Information, including Patient Information [PDF] for more information.