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In this Article

• What is influenza virus nasal vaccine (FluMist)?
• What are the possible side effects of influenza virus nasal vaccine (FluMist)?
• What is the most important information I should know about this vaccine (FluMist)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine (FluMist)?
• How is this vaccine given (FluMist)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (FluMist)?
• What happens if I overdose (FluMist)?
• What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine (FluMist)?
• What other drugs will affect influenza virus nasal vaccine (FluMist)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (FluMist)?

Since influenza virus vaccine is usually given only one time per year, you will most likely not be on a dosing schedule. Call your doctor if you forget to receive your yearly vaccination in October or November.

If your child misses a booster dose of this vaccine, call your doctor for instructions.

What happens if I overdose (FluMist)?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine (FluMist)?

For at least 21 days after receiving nasal influenza virus vaccine, avoid close contact with anyone who has a weak immune system caused by disease (such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS), or by certain medicines such as steroids, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. A person with a weak immune system can become ill if they have close contact with you after you have recently received a an influenza vaccine.

For at least 2 weeks after receiving this vaccine, avoid using antiviral medications that are normally used to treat flu symptoms, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza).

What other drugs will affect influenza virus nasal vaccine (FluMist)?

Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor about all other vaccines you have recently received.

Also tell the doctor if you have recently received drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• an oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable steroid medicine;
• medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders, such as azathioprine (Imuran), efalizumab (Raptiva), etanercept (Enbrel), leflunomide (Arava), and others; or
• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection, such as basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, Gengraf), muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), sirolimus (Rapamune), or tacrolimus (Prograf).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can affect this vaccine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you have received. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist may have information about nasal influenza virus vaccine written for health professionals that you may read. You may also find additional information from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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