FluMist. Influenza Vaccine, Live Intranasal FluMist or Flushot? Watch Our Commercial Like us on Facebook
Read Important Safety and Eligiblity Information

ALL ABOUT FLUMIST®:
FAQs

Still have an unanswered question?

Here's a list of the top questions people have about FluMist®.
What's FluMist?
It's a seasonal flu vaccine that's administered as one gentle nasal spray in each nostril to help protect you all season long.
How effective is FluMist?
In a study of kids 2 to 5 years of age, compared to the flu shot, FluMist cut the risk of getting the flu in half.

NOTE: These results are from a large study during the 2004-2005 flu season. Since flu strains change from year to year, past study results do not guarantee future flu season results.

In a study of adults 18 to 49 years of age, FluMist reduced influenza illness compared to placebo.

Note: These results are from a large study during the 1997–1998 flu season. Past study results do not guarantee future flu season results.

Does FluMist contain a live virus?
Yes. Similar to the chicken pox vaccine, FluMist contains a weakened live virus. The weakened live virus in FluMist is designed not to cause the flu, but to help protect you from influenza through the end of flu season.
Who can receive FluMist?
Most healthy patients 2-49 years of age, but only a doctor can decide if FluMist is right for you.
Who should not pick FluMist?
Here's a general idea of who shouldn't get FluMist:
  • People allergic to eggs, egg proteins, or other vaccine ingredients
  • People with life-threatening reactions to previous influenza vaccinations
  • Children and teenagers 2-17 taking aspirin or products containing aspirin
  • Children under 2 years of age because there is a chance they may wheeze after getting FluMist
Who may not be able to pick FluMist?
  • People who are currently wheezing
  • Children 2 to 5 years of age with a history of wheezing
  • People who have had Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • People who are in close contact with someone with a severely weakened immune system
  • People with a weakened immune system or those who have problems with their heart, kidneys, or lungs or have diabetes
  • Pregnant or nursing women
  • People taking Tamiflu®, Relenza®, amantadine, or rimantadine
If you or your child fall into one of these groups, be sure to tell your healthcare provider and they'll help you decide if FluMist is the right choice for you and your family. FluMist may not protect everyone from the flu.
Download Product Information [PDF]
What are the most common side effects associated with FluMist?
The most common side effects of FluMist are runny or stuffy nose; sore throat and fever over 100°F.
Will I get sick from FluMist? If I sneeze, will I give the flu to someone else?
No. The viruses contained in FluMist are engineered not to cause the flu.
Does FluMist contain thimerosal or other preservatives?
No.
When can I get vaccinated with FluMist?
Eligible people can start receiving FluMist toward the end of the summer and even get vaccinated as late as May.
Will my insurance cover FluMist?
Most patients who have insurance coverage for immunizations have coverage for FluMist.
  • FluMist is covered by over 99% of health insurance plans with immunization benefits
  • Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage

FluMist is not right for everyone. Only your doctor can determine if FluMist is right for you.

If you have questions, feel free to visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/nasalspray.htm or ask your doctor 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.