What is FluMist?
Safety Information
FAQs
FluMist Availability Locations
Contact Us
Is FluMist right for me?

Safety information | Side effects | Is FluMist® right for me?

Safety Information

Like the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines that children normally get, FluMist® is a weakened live virus vaccine that is designed not to cause the flu. Its side effects in children are actually similar to those of the regular flu shot.

FluMist® is a vaccine indicated for the active immunization of individuals 2-59 years of age against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B contained in the vaccine. The vaccine contains the strains recommended by the WHO (northern hemisphere) for this influenza season and is not specifically indicated to protect against other strains of the virus. FluMist® is for the prevention, not treatment, of influenza.

FluMist® is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity, especially anaphylactic reactions to eggs, egg proteins, gentamicin, gelatin or arginine or with a history of hypersensitivity to previous influenza vaccinations.

Most common adverse reactions in children were runny/stuffy nose, reduced appetite, weakness, headache and fever. The most common adverse reactions in adults were runny/stuffy nose, headache, sore throat, weakness and cough.

FluMist® may not protect all individuals receiving the vaccine. FluMist® is for intranasal administration only (0.1 mL per nostril).

Talk to a doctor to see if FluMist® is right for you.

Side Effects

Very common (occurs in >1 in 10 people)

  • Children: runny or stuffy nose, reduced appetite, weakness, headache and fever
  • Adults: runny or stuffy nose, headache, sore throat, weakness and cough

Common (occurs in <1 in 10 people)

  • Children: muscle aches
  • Adults: chills

Uncommon (occurs in <1 in 100 people)

  • Rash
  • Nose bleed

Rare (occurs in <1 in 1000 people)

  • Allergic reactions

Very rare (occurs in <1 in 10,000 people)

  • Guillain-Barré syndrome

Is FluMist® right for me?

If you fall into one of the categories below you should talk to your doctor about whether or not FluMist® is right for you.

If you:

  • are under the age of 18 years receiving aspirin or medicines containing aspirin; have severe asthma or active wheezing
  • have had Guillain-Barré syndrome with a previous flu shot
  • are immunosuppressed due to disease or drug treatment, or associate with people who are immunosuppressed
  • are pregnant or intend to become pregnant or are nursing

Do not take FluMist® if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients contained in FluMist®, especially to eggs, egg proteins, gentamicin (a trace residual), gelatin or arginine. Do not take FluMist® if you have had an allergic reaction to previous flu vaccination.

Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if FluMist® is right for you.