Influenza virus vaccine, live (Into the nose)
Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live (in-floo-EN-za VYE-rus VAX-een, lyve)
Helps prevent infection with influenza (flu) virus.
Brand Name(s):
FluMist Quadrivalent 2023-2024 Formula, FluMist Trivalent 2024-2025 Formula
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This vaccine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to influenza virus vaccine, or to eggs or egg products.How to Use This Medicine:
Spray
- A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This vaccine is given as a nasal spray.
- You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- Children 2 to 8 years old who have not previously received influenza vaccine will need 2 doses of the vaccine given at least 1 month apart. If your child needs a second dose, make sure he receives it on schedule.
- Nasal spray:
- Use it within 12 hours of removing from the refrigerator.
- Check the liquid in the sprayer. It should be colorless to pale yellow and clear to slightly cloudy. Do not use if it is discolored. Do not use the spray if it has been dropped or damaged.
- Hold on to the sprayer body and pull off the gray cap. Do not remove the dose divider clip. Do not prime or remove bubbles from the sprayer. Do not insert it into the nostril before removing the cap.
- Keep head upright. Place the tip of the sprayer inside one nostril. The sprayer tip does not need to be inserted far into the nose. Do not insert the entire white tip inside the nostril.
- Spray into one nostril by pushing the plunger as quickly as possible until it stops at the dose divider clip. Do not remove the sprayer until the plunger has stopped. Breathe normally. There is no need to sniff or inhale.
- For spray 2, pinch and remove the dose divider clip from the plunger. Keeping head in upright position, place the sprayer tip inside the other nostril. Repeat the same steps.
- Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
- If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- This vaccine should not be given to children and teenagers 2 to 17 years old who are also taking aspirin. Children and teenagers 2 to 17 years old should not take aspirin for 4 weeks after receiving the vaccine.
- Medicine to treat influenza virus infection (including amantadine, oseltamivir, rimantadine, zanamivir) used within 2 days before or 2 weeks after administration of the influenza virus vaccine may make the vaccine less effective.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, breathing problems (including asthma or wheezing), immune system problems (including cancer or HIV), or a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Tell your doctor if you live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
- The influenza virus vaccine may not protect everyone who receives it. The vaccine will not treat flu symptoms if you have already been infected with the virus.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches
- Headache
- Severe muscle weakness
- Trouble breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Decreased appetite
- Tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 2/4/2025