Get the facts about frequently asked questions about FLUMIST

About FLUMIST

For whom is FLUMIST approved for use?

FLUMIST is indicated for patients 2-49 years of age.¹

Who should not use FLUMIST and what is the Safety Profile?

FLUMIST is contraindicated in persons who have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine including egg protein, or after a previous dose of any influenza vaccine. Do not administer FLUMIST to children or adolescents through 17 years of age who are receiving aspirin or aspirin-containing therapy. Children younger than 5 years of age with recurrent wheezing and persons of any age with asthma may be at increased risk of wheezing following the administration of FLUMIST. If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of any prior influenza vaccination, the decision to give FLUMIST should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.¹

How should acute allergic reactions to FLUMIST be managed?

When administered in a healthcare setting, appropriate medical treatment must be immediately available to manage potential anaphylactic reactions following administration of FLUMIST. If FLUMIST is self-administered or administered by a caregiver, advise the vaccine recipient that they should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Can patients with asthma get FLUMIST? Are there any risks for wheezing after administration?

Current CDC recommendations state that the live attenuated influenza vaccine should not be used in children 2-4 years of age who have received a diagnosis of asthma or whose parents or caregivers report that a health care provider has told them during the preceding 12 months that the person had wheezing or asthma or whose medical record indicates a wheezing episode has occurred during the preceding 12 months. Current CDC recommendations caution against use in persons ≥ 5 years of age with asthma.² There is a risk of wheezing following FLUMIST administration, and this risk may be increased in persons of any age with asthma and children younger than 5 years of age with recurrent wheezing.¹ The vaccine was not studied in persons with severe asthma or active wheezing.¹

Can FLUMIST (LAIV) be administered to people with minor acute illnesses, such as a mild upper respiratory infection (URI) with or without fever?

Yes, unless clinical judgment suggests nasal congestion is present that might keep the vaccine from making good contact with the nasopharyngeal mucosa. In that case, consider either deferring its use until the congestion resolves or using an appropriate alternative influenza vaccine, if available.³

Is FLUMIST suitable for persons with a weakened immune system?

Persons with a weakened immune system or those who care for a severely immunocompromised person who require a protected environment should not receive FLUMIST.^1,2 You should use your clinical judgment to determine if FLUMIST is appropriate in such cases. The effectiveness of FLUMIST has not been studied in immunocompromised persons.

Are there any drug interactions with FLUMIST?

Antiviral drugs that are active against influenza A and/or B may reduce the effectiveness of FLUMIST if administered within 48 hours before, or within 2 weeks after, receipt of the vaccine. FLUMIST should not be administered to children and adolescents through 17 years of age who are receiving aspirin therapy or aspirin-containing therapy because of the association of Reye's syndrome with aspirin and wild-type influenza. Avoid aspirin-containing therapy in these age groups during the first 4 weeks after vaccination unless clearly needed.

Dosing and Administration

Do patients need to be revaccinated if they sneeze, cough or have dripping from their nose during FLUMIST administration?

No, patients who sneeze, cough, or have dripping from their nose during FLUMIST administration do not need to be revaccinated.⁴ It is normal if patients feel a slight tickle or experience some dripping or sneezing. They can wipe away any liquid that drips from the nose with a tissue.¹

Is sniffing or inhaling necessary during the administration of FLUMIST?

No, there is no need to inhale or sniff. The patient should breathe normally. It is normal if the patient feels a slight tickle or experiences some dripping or sneezing.^1,4 Learn more about administration in this step-by-step guide.

FluMist Home

What is FluMist Home and how is it different from FluMist?

FluMist Home refers to the home delivery service for FLUMIST. The FluMist Home service will ensure eligibility, manage dispensing, delivery and provide pharmacist counseling and support for eligible patients and caregivers who are interested in using FLUMIST at home.

How do patients order FLUMIST via FluMist Home?

FLUMIST, delivered via FluMist Home, is the same flu vaccine (with patient-specific packaging and enhanced administration instructions) currently available in HCP offices and pharmacies that will be shipped direct to patients’ homes. Patients access this option through an online pharmacy where they complete a medical screening questionnaire, provide insurance information, and select a delivery date. A healthcare professional reviews this information to determine eligibility.⁵ Those who are eligible for FLUMIST will have their doses shipped as requested. Importantly, the pharmacy team can provide support throughout the process. FLUMIST for self-administration and caregiver administration via the FluMist Home service will become available for the 2025-26 flu season.

Can a patient order FLUMIST now and wait to use it at a much later date?

Yes, patients can choose a delivery date that’s convenient for them, and FluMist can be stored in their refrigerator (between 35-46 °F) until they are ready to use it. For example, FLUMIST can be ordered as early as August for use in September or October. FLUMIST should last in a refrigerator until the expiration date, which is printed on the box and also on the sprayer. FLUMIST must not be used after the expiration date on sprayer label.^1,5

What is the dosage for FLUMIST at home?

The dosage for FLUMIST is the same, whether a patient administers it at home or gets it at a pharmacy or doctor’s office.¹ 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). Children ages 2-8 who have never received a flu vaccine, should receive their first influenza dose in a traditional healthcare setting.

Other

Does FLUMIST cause flu?

No, FLUMIST is designed to not cause flu.^6,7 It contains weakened (attenuated) live viruses that cannot cause flu, like the vaccines for chicken pox and measles.

Can patients catch flu from someone who was just vaccinated with FLUMIST?

While transmission of the vaccine virus is rare, FLUMIST cannot cause the flu.⁸ The weakened live viruses in the vaccine have been modified and will not cause flu.^6,7