influenza virus vaccine live - nasal, FluMist
GENERIC NAME: INFLUENZA VIRUS VACCINE LIVE - NASAL (IN-floo-EN-za)
BRAND NAME(S): FluMist
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is a vaccine against influenza (flu) virus. It is also called the seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccine works by helping the body produce immunity (protection) that will prevent you from getting the flu or lessen the seriousness of the infection. As with any vaccine, it may not fully protect everyone who receives it. Since different types of flu viruses cause infection every flu season, usually a new vaccine is produced and given for each flu season.The 2010-2011 flu vaccine provides protection against H1N1 (pandemic) influenza. A separate vaccine is not needed this year. People who received the 2009 H1N1 pandemic vaccine shot should still get the regular seasonal flu vaccine.This form of the vaccine is given through the nose and is recommended for healthy children and adults, aged 2 to 49 years.This form of the vaccine is not recommended for children younger than 2 years old, or for children aged 2 to 4 years with a history of repeated wheezing. A flu vaccine that is given by injection is recommended for these children and for adults older than 49. Consult your doctor for more details.
HOW TO USE: Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care provider before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care provider.If this vaccine is the first flu vaccination of a child aged 2 through 8 years, the child should receive a second dose (usually at least 1 month after the first dose). If a child in this age group has received this vaccine in a previous flu season, only one dose is given. Patients aged 9 years and older (including adults) should receive only one dose for each flu season.To receive this vaccine, sit or stand upright with your head tilted back. A health care professional will spray the medication into each nostril, one at a time.
SIDE EFFECTS: Cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, headache, chills, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to receive this vaccine, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US, you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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