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.

Read the FluMist (influenza virus vaccine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to eggs; or if you have previously had a severe allergic reaction to flu vaccine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as gentamicin, gelatin, arginine), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., asthma, wheezing, chronic lung disease), current infection/fever, diabetes, history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, immune system problems (e.g., due to cancer treatment, HIV infection), kidney disease.

This vaccine contains a weakened form of the flu virus. After receiving the vaccine, you may be able to infect others with flu for up to 3 weeks. Rarely, infections may occur in people in close contact with someone who has received this vaccine. Caution is advised if you have regular close contact with family/household members with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to cancer).

Children aged 2 to 17 years who are taking aspirin should not receive this vaccine due to the risk for developing Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition. Also, children in this age group should not use products containing aspirin for 4 weeks after receiving this vaccine unless directed by the doctor. Consult the doctor for details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.