Uses
What is FluMist used for?
FluMist (influenza vaccine live, intranasal) is commonly given to help prevent the flu, a very contagious infection caused by influenza A and B viruses.
How does FluMist work (mechanism of action)?
FluMist is made from live, weakened forms of specific influenza viruses. It triggers the body's immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against influenza viruses, the viruses that cause the flu. Antibodies help your body better fight these viruses, which may help you from getting sick.
How is FluMist supplied (dosage forms)?
FluMist is available as a single-dose (0.2 milliliter) nasal spray.
How should I store FluMist?
FluMist is usually given by a healthcare provider in a pharmacy, hospital, or clinic. FluMist is also expected to be available for home delivery for the 2025-2026 flu season. If you will store FluMist at home, follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider or provided in the “Instructions for Use” that come with FluMist.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of FluMist?
The most common side effects of FluMist are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Fever (more common in young children)
- Sore throat (more common in adults)
There may be other side effects of FluMist that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of FluMist?
While less common, the most serious side effects of FluMist are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. FluMist may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not get FluMist?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive FluMist.
- FluMist
- Influenza vaccine live
- A previous dose of flu vaccine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in FluMist.
Drug Interactions. FluMist should not be used while you are taking certain other medicines. Before receiving FluMist, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about FluMist before getting it?
FluMist is a nasal spray that is usually given by a healthcare provider in a pharmacy, hospital, or clinic. If you receive FluMist for home use, follow the "Instructions for Use" that come with the product. If you have questions about how to correctly use FluMist, ask your pharmacist or other healthcare provider.
Depending on their age and vaccination history, some children may need more than one dose of FluMist. Make sure that you or your child gets all doses of FluMist that your healthcare provider recommends. FluMist helps protect you from serious infections caused by influenza viruses.
A vaccine information statement should be provided to you by your healthcare provider before each vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.
Children ages 2 through 17 years should avoid taking medicines or other products that contain salicylates, such as aspirin, for 4 weeks after receiving FluMist. There are reports of Reye’s syndrome in people taking salicylates while infected with the flu. See the Interactions section for more details.
In very rare cases, a person who has received FluMist may be able to pass influenza vaccine virus to close contacts, such as people they live with. This can lead to the flu. After getting FluMist, avoid close contact with people who have a severely weakened immune system, especially if they use special precautions to limit exposure to germs.
Getting FluMist can lower your chances of getting the flu. It does not guarantee you will not get it. Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before getting FluMist?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if FluMist is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following.
- Allergy to eggs or egg protein
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Lung problems, including asthma or wheezing
- Have or live with someone who has a weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system, such as radiation or chemotherapy
- Diabetes
Vaccines. Tell your healthcare provider if you have recently received a vaccine or have any scheduled. FluMist can usually be given on the same day as other vaccines. In some cases, FluMist may need to be spaced apart from other vaccines by a certain length of time.
Pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you which flu vaccine is safe for you.
Breastfeeding. FluMist is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about FluMist?
For more information about FluMist, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.flumist.com or call them at 877-633-4411.
Interactions
Does FluMist interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between FluMist and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect FluMist.
Does FluMist interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before getting FluMist.
- Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products including those for pain, swelling, and fever
- A medicine for influenza A or B, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), or baloxavir (Xofluza)
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with FluMist. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally receive too much FluMist?
FluMist is usually given by a healthcare provider, but may also be given by an adult outside of a healthcare setting. If you or someone else has used too much FluMist, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. Keep a record of all vaccines you receive and share it with your healthcare provider. If you have any side effects, report them by calling 800-822-7967 or filling out an online form at https://vaers.hhs.gov.
What should I do if I miss a dose of FluMist?
Keep all appointments to receive FluMist. If you miss an appointment to get FluMist, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.
Are you currently using FluMist (influenza vaccine live, intranasal)?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.