About FluMist nasal spray flu vaccine
FluMist is a vaccine that is sprayed into the nose to help protect against influenza in people ages 2 through 49 years. FluMist may not prevent influenza in everyone who gets vaccinated.
FluMist Home refers to the home delivery service for FluMist. You get the same FluMist nasal spray flu vaccine that you would receive in your doctor’s office or pharmacy; the only difference is that now you can get it delivered and give it to yourself and eligible members of your household from the comfort of home.
FluMist is approved to help protect against influenza in people ages 2 through 49 years.
The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive an annual flu vaccine.
Eligible people between the ages of 2 and 49 may receive FluMist or the flu shot, with no preference given to either option. For everyone else, an age-appropriate flu vaccine should be given.
According to the CDC, it takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu viruses are constantly changing, so flu vaccines are updated from one season to the next to help protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the upcoming flu season. Yearly vaccination is needed for the best protection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for most persons who need only 1 dose of influenza vaccine for the season, vaccination should occur in September or October. Even if you wait until after October, the influenza vaccine can still be beneficial and help provide protection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu vaccination may reduce the risk of hospitalization.
Additionally, in two separate studies, FluMist was shown to reduce the severity of influenza in children and adults.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can be vaccinated with FluMist if you have a minor illness (for example, diarrhea or a mild upper respiratory tract infection with or without a fever).
However, if your nose is so congested that it might stop the vaccine from getting to the nasal lining, then you should wait until your nose is less congested, or your doctor may suggest the injectable vaccine.
- People who have a severe allergy to eggs or other vaccine ingredients
- Anyone who has had life-threatening reactions to flu vaccines
- Children or adolescents through 17 years of age taking aspirin or products containing aspirin
Children under 2 years old have an increased risk of wheezing (difficulty with breathing) after getting FluMist.
Before getting FluMist, talk to your healthcare provider if you or your child:
- Are currently wheezing
- Have a history of wheezing if under 5 years old
- Have asthma
- Have had Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Have a weakened immune system or are living with someone who has a severely weakened immune system
- Have problems with the heart, kidneys, or lungs
- Have diabetes
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Are taking antiviral drugs for the treatment of influenza
Please talk to your healthcare provider if you are not sure if the items listed above apply to you or your child.
If you or your child cannot get FluMist, you may still be able to get an influenza vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.
How FluMist works
FluMist starts working where flu typically enters the body—the nose.*
FluMist works by stimulating the immune system in the lining of the nose and throat, and this in turn helps teach the immune system to build immunity.
*The mechanism of action is not fully understood.
FluMist does not contain any preservatives.
While transmission of the vaccine virus is rare, FluMist cannot cause the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people who have received FluMist avoid contact with severely immunocompromised persons for 7 days after getting vaccinated.
Call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency department right away if you or your child experience:
- Hives (itchy, raised bumps on the skin)
- Severe flushing of the skin
- Throat tightness
- Trouble swallowing or speaking
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the face, lips, eyes, tongue, or throat
- Chest discomfort or tightness
- Dizziness or fainting
- Severe stomach cramps or pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
These are not all the possible side effects of FluMist. For more information, talk to your healthcare provider.
You may report side effects to AstraZeneca or to VAERS at 1-800-822-7967 or https://vaers.hhs.gov.
FluMist is manufactured by AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused pharmaceutical company. We are dedicated to transforming the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of what science can do for people, society, and the planet.
Ordering, delivery, & storage
FluMist is available to order for home delivery in eligible states. You can order FluMist Home online. Your information will be reviewed by a healthcare professional and if eligible, FluMist will be delivered to your home.
FluMist is available for delivery via FluMist Home in 34 states. The following states are NOT eligible for FluMist Home delivery: Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
Ordering FluMist is as easy as 1, 2, 3…4
Order online for yourself and your household
Safe and secure process. Order for yourself or your whole household. You’ll just need to answer some brief questions about medical eligibility.
Receive order approval*
A healthcare provider reviews the medical information you provide to make sure FluMist is right for you (and everyone you're ordering for).
*Eligible orders receive approval based on medical questionnaire.
Get FluMist delivered to your door
Choose your shipping date.
Use FluMist at home
It’s simple to use FluMist with our How to Use video tutorial.
To start your order, you’ll need to answer some questions about medical eligibility, provide insurance, select a delivery date, and provide shipping payment and information.
The online form requires you to answer some brief questions about your medical history and insurance to determine eligibility, which should take no more than a few minutes to complete.
When you order FluMist online, you choose the delivery date that’s most convenient for you. FluMist comes in an insulated package along with chill packs that maintain the correct temperature range. Once you have received your package, bring it inside, unpack it as soon as possible, and follow the instructions inside the delivery box.
Yes, you can choose a delivery date that’s convenient for you, and FluMist can be stored in your refrigerator until you are ready to use it. For example, you can order FluMist as early as August for use in September or October. Make sure that you check the FluMist carton before using. Do not use FluMist if the expiration date has passed.
When your FluMist arrives, bring the package inside as soon as possible. Open the top flaps of the outer box and locate the instructions. Follow the step-by-step instructions to unpack your shipment and, importantly, check the temperature status of your FluMist.
FluMist comes in an insulated package along with chill packs that maintain the correct temperature range, whatever the weather! Once you have received your package, bring it inside, unpack it as soon as possible, and follow the instructions inside the delivery box.
Make sure that you follow the instructions to check the temperature status of FluMist upon opening the shipping box. If not using immediately, store it in the refrigerator between 35 °F and 46 °F (2 °C to 8 °C) until you are ready to use.
If the cooler or inner box is broken or the FluMist sprayer(s) looks damaged, do not use the product. Contact ASPN Pharmacies, LLC at 1-888-344-0072 to initiate a replacement and follow the instructions provided in your shipment to dispose of your unused FluMist safely, using the return shipment program.
A tiveTag is a temperature monitor located on the outside of the inner box that contains FluMist. It is used to confirm that your FluMist has stayed within its required temperature range during the shipping and delivery process. You should download the tiveTag app on your Apple or Android device to ensure that your FluMist is ready to use before administering.
The barcode is on a white label with the word “tiveTag” located on the top of the outside of the small inner brown box that contains the FluMist product. It’s not on the outer shipping box or cooler lid.
If you haven't done so already, scan the QR code located on your tiveTag with your smartphone to download the tiveTag app. The tiveTag app is required to check the temperature status of FluMist before opening. Open the app, tap “Touch button to read tag” to initiate the tag reading, and then hold the back of your phone over the barcode on the tiveTag label (located on the left-hand side of the brown inner box that contains your FluMist). Once you have scanned the barcode, your tiveTag temperature status results will appear on screen:
If a GREEN check mark appears, your FluMist has maintained the required temperature during the shipping and delivery process. Store the product in a refrigerator between 35 °F and 46 °F (2 °C and 8 °C) in its product carton to protect from light until you are ready to use it.
If a RED X appears, your FluMist has NOT maintained the required temperature and cannot be used. Contact ASPN Pharmacies, LLC at 1-888-344-0072 to initiate a replacement and follow the instructions provided in your shipment to dispose of your unused FluMist safely, using the return shipment program.
Yes, you need to be connected to the internet for your phone to read the temperature on a tiveTag. If you see a "You are not connected to the internet" message, move to a location with cell service or connect to a Wi-Fi network. Once connected, reopen the tiveTag app and scan the barcode again.
If you see this message, it means the app is having trouble detecting the tiveTag. Place the back of your phone directly on top of the tiveTag. If your phone has a protective case on it, you may need to remove the case and gently move your phone slowly over the tiveTag until it reads successfully. If problems persist, contact ASPN Pharmacies, LLC at 1-888-344-0072.
If there is no tiveTag on the outside of the brown inner box that contains your FluMist, do not use the product. Contact ASPN Pharmacies, LLC at 1-888-344-0072 to initiate a replacement and follow the instructions provided in your shipment to dispose of your unused FluMist safely, using the return shipment program.
No, the tiveTag is single-use only and cannot be reused.
No, the tiveTag only checks the shipment's temperature. It does not track your location or collect personal information.
If a GREEN check mark appears on your screen, your FluMist delivery can be stored in the fridge or administered right away. If a RED X appears on your screen, the product cannot be used. Follow the instructions on your screen to initiate a replacement. You may also contact ASPN Pharmacies, LLC via phone at 1-888-344-0072.
If you notice moisture inside the cooler, don’t worry. The chill packs are filled with non-toxic water. If the brown inner box (which contains the FluMist product) appears intact, simply dry off the outside, if needed, and continue with checking the temperature status of your FluMist (see “Check Temperature with the tiveTag” below). If the brown inner box is not intact (soaked through, ripped, crushed, etc.), please contact ASPN Pharmacies, LLC at 1-888-344-0072.
If your FluMist cooler has fewer than 6 chill packs, continue unpacking your shipment and check the temperature status of your FluMist. If your FluMist has stayed within its required temperature range during the shipping and delivery process, it is ok to use. If it has not, please contact ASPN Pharmacies, LLC at 1-888-344-0072.
Bring it inside and unpack it as soon as possible. Make sure that you follow the instructions to check the temperature status of FluMist upon opening the shipping box.
If not using immediately, store FluMist in a refrigerator (not freezer) between 35 °F-46 °F (2 °C-8 °C) in its carton to protect from light until you are ready to use it.
FluMist may be kept at room temperature between 68 °F-77 °F (20 °C-25 °C) in its carton for a maximum of 12 hours.
DO NOT freeze FluMist.
DO NOT expose to heat greater than 77 °F (25 °C).
For more information about storage, please see the Patient Information.
Yes! Save the prelabeled return envelope and bubble wrap envelope to return the used FluMist sprayer(s) after you administer it.
If left at room temperature for less than 12 hours, your FluMist should be returned immediately to the refrigerator (35 °F–46 °F) and used directly from the refrigerator prior to expiration. If it was left at room temperature for more than 12 hours, do not use it.
FluMist can be kept in your fridge until the expiration date, which is printed on the box and also on the sprayer.
Yes, your FluMist will have the expiration date printed on the box and also directly on the middle of the sprayer. Do not use FluMist after its expiration date.
Please check your order and FedEx tracking number against the paperwork you received and call ASPN customer support at 1-888-344-0072.
Dosage
The dosage for FluMist is the same, whether you give it to yourself at home or you get it at a pharmacy or doctor’s office.
Each carton of FluMist comes with a nasal sprayer that's designed to give the correct amount of FluMist per each nostril (1 spray in each nostril, for a total of 2 sprays per dose).
Each carton of FluMist comes with a nasal sprayer that’s designed to give the correct amount of FluMist per each nostril (1 spray in each nostril, for a total of 2 sprays per dose). Each dose is separated by a plastic clip. All you have to do is spray once into one nostril, then remove the clip and spray into the other nostril. That’s it!
Administration
Quick FluMist How To guide:
Remove gray cap (DO NOT remove dose-divider clip)
Spray in one nostril
Remove dose-divider clip
Spray in other nostril
Breathe normally—no need to sniff. It is normal if you feel a slight tickle or experience some dripping or sneezing.
It’s okay if you, or anyone you give FluMist to, feels a slight tickle or experiences some dripping or sneezing after receiving FluMist. There is no need to administer the vaccine dose again.
Disposal
Here’s how you can easily dispose of your FluMist:
Disposal
FluMist utilizes a return program to ensure appropriate disposal of used sprayers. Follow the steps outlined below to dispose of FluMist sprayers safely:
- Locate the prelabeled return envelope that came in your FluMist shipment.
- Open the prelabeled return envelope. Remove the bubble wrap envelope and disposal guidance sheet; set aside and retain. Leave absorbent pad in the prelabeled return envelope.
- Place your FluMist sprayer(s) in the bubble wrap envelope. Seal.
- Place the sealed bubble wrap envelope containing FluMist sprayer(s) into the prelabeled return envelope. Seal.
- Place the prelabeled return envelope into a mailbox for pickup by the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Disposal: Packaging Materials
- Carton and Instructions for Use: Please recycle paper components.
- You can reuse the chill packs as ice packs or empty the water and recycle with plastics.
- The foam box can be recycled following your local recycling regulations or disposed of with household trash.
- Corrugated shipping box can be recycled, reused, or disposed of in household trash.
For more information about safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the area that you live in, go to the FDA’s website at: http://fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal.
Contact ASPN Pharmacies, LLC at 1-888-344-0072.
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How to take FluMist at home
Check sprayer label expiration date
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