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Read Important Safety and Eligiblity Information

UNDERSTANDING INFLUENZA:
Should I Vaccinate?

The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated yearly.

Each flu season, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccine issues, recommends an annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months or older. That means you should get your eligible kids and yourself vaccinated.

Note: No one vaccine is right for everyone, so talk to your doctor about which is best for each member of your family. Scroll down to see eligibility information about FluMist.

Flu vaccinations may be effective
Just as diseases such as chicken pox may be prevented by vaccination, the same holds true with the flu — especially for children. Since kids are twice as likely to catch it than adults, make sure your eligible kids get vaccinated at back-to-school checkups.
What are my vaccination options?
Today, there are flu vaccination choices. The "flu shot," which is administered by injection, and FluMist, which is administered as a nasal spray. Talk to your doctor about which flu vaccine option is right for you and your eligible family.

Visit our FluMist or Flu Shot? section for more information.

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.