FluMist®
(pronounced FLEW-mist)
(Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal)

Please read this Patient Information carefully before you or your child is vaccinated with FluMist.

This is a summary of information about FluMist. It does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about influenza vaccination. If you have questions or would like more information, please talk with your healthcare provider.

What is FluMist?

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
• 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.

Please talk to your healthcare provider if you are not sure if the items listed above apply to you or your child.

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
• are taking Tamiflu®, Relenza®, amantadine, or rimantadine

If you or your child cannot take FluMist, you may still be able to get an influenza shot. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.

How is FluMist given?

• FluMist is a liquid that is sprayed into the nose.
• You can breathe normally while getting FluMist. There is no need to inhale or “sniff” it.
• People over 8 years old need one dose of FluMist each year.
• Children 2 through 8 years oldmay need 2 doses of FluMist if they have not been vaccinated against influenza before. Your healthcare provider will decide if your child needs to come back for a second dose.

What are the possible side effects of FluMist?

The most common side effects of FluMist are:

• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• fever over 100 degrees F

Other possible side effects include:

• decreased appetite
• irritability
• tiredness
• cough
• headache
• muscle ache
• chills

Call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency department right away if you or your child experience:

• hives or a bad rash
• trouble breathing
• swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

These are not all the possible side effects of FluMist. You can ask your healthcare provider for a complete list of side effects that is available to healthcare professionals.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to VAERS at 1-800-822-7967 or http://vaers.hhs.gov.

What are the ingredients in FluMist?

Active Ingredient: FluMist contains 3 influenza virus strains that are weakened (A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B).

Inactive Ingredients: monosodium glutamate, gelatin, arginine, sucrose, dibasic potassium phosphate, monobasic potassium phosphate, and gentamicin.

FluMist does not contain preservatives.

If you would like more information, talk to your healthcare provider or visit www.FluMist.com or call 1-877-633-4411.

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/10/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.