Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: INFLUENZA VIRUS VACCINE LIVE - NASAL (in-flew-EN-zuh VYE-russ vack-SEEN)
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 virus. It is recommended for healthy children and adolescents, 5-17 years of age. The manufacturer also recommended this vaccine for healthy adults, 18-49 years of age.
HOW TO USE: If this vaccine is a 5 through 8-year-old child's first vaccination, a second dose is required. If a child in this age group has received this vaccine in previous years, only one dose is required. Patients age 9 years and older (including adults) should only receive one dose per year. This vaccine is stored in the freezer and must be thawed prior to being sprayed into the nose. To thaw the product, hold the sprayer in the palm of the hand and support the plunger rod with the thumb. For an alternative way of thawing the product see Storage section. With the patient standing upright and head tilted back, remove the rubber tip protector and insert the sprayer into the nostril. Depress the plunger. This will administer half of the dose into the first nostril. Next remove the divider clip from the sprayer and place the tip into the other nostril. Depress the plunger to administer the remaining half of the dose. Do not inject this medication into a vein, muscle or under the skin. This vaccination should be delayed at least 3 days after any current fever or other respiratory illness. Vaccination may be given to anyone wishing to reduce the chance of getting the flu. For optimal protection, the vaccine must be repeated each year since it may contain different influenza strains from previous years.
SIDE EFFECTS: Cough, runny nose, sore throat, chills, tiredness, weakness, abdominal pain, ear infection, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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.
- Flu Vaccine - Get the facts about influenza vaccine (flu shot) ingredients, side effects and vaccination effectiveness. Learn who should (children, pregnant women, elderly) and shouldn't get a flu shot.
- Flu (Influenza) - Learn influenza symptoms, causes, home remedies, treatment with antiviral drugs and prevention. Read about flu types (swine or H1N1, bird, stomach), when to get flu shots, how long it lasts and how it's spread.
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