FluMist® vaccine
This product is manufactured by AstraZeneca Canada Inc. using the ingredient influenza vaccine-live, attenuated.
This product is taken via nasal inhalation.
Why is it prescribed?
Influenza vaccine-live attenuated can be used for the active immunization of individuals 2 to 59 years of age against influenza caused by virus subtypes A and type B contained in the vaccine.
- FluMist® is a gentle mist and will be given as a spray in each nostril. You can breathe normally while it is being given. There is no need to actively inhale or sniff.
- Each year, different strains of the influenza virus appear. Scientists try to predict which strains will be most likely for the coming year, and these strains are used to make up the year's influenza vaccine. FluMist® contains 2 influenza A strains and 1 influenza B strain. The vaccine only provides protection against the strains of flu virus used to prepare the vaccine.
- Annual vaccination is necessary to make sure you are covered for the new virus strains that are expected each year.
- It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for the protection against these viruses to be effective, and the protection lasts for 6 to 12 months. The best time for vaccination is around mid-October, but anytime in the flu season (November to April) is appropriate.
Alternatives
See other products used in the treatment of •flu •influenza •
FluMist® is a spray for nasal inhalation that should be given by a health care professional. The recommended dose of Fluzone® for individuals 2 years to 59 years of age is 1 spray in each nostril. Children 2 to 9 years who have not been previously vaccinated with influenza vaccine should be given a second dose (1 spray in each nostril) at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
Influenza vaccine-live, attenuated is administered by nasal spray. A vaccine that is live and attenuated contains a living version of the virus that has been attenuated, or made very weak. This helps the body to create an antibody to the virus, without making the body sick with the virus.
The most common unwanted effects are nasal congestion and runny nose. Other possible unwanted effects include: headache, sore throat, malaise, muscle aches, cough, and chills.
Rare:
- inflammation of the nerves causing pain, weakness and paralysis (a temporary condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome)
- sore red itchy eyes and difficulty breathing or other lung problems (e.g., coughing, wheezing), a condition called oculorespiratory syndrome
- allergic reactions
Do not use live, attenuated influenza vaccine:
- in children under the age of 2 years due to increased risk of the development of wheezing
- are under the age of 18 years receiving aspirin (ASA) or medicines containing aspirin;
- have severe asthma or active wheezing;
- are immunosuppressed due to disease or drug treatment, or associate with people who are immunosuppressed.
Getting the live, attenuated influenza vaccine should usually be postponed in serious acute illness until symptoms have resolved. It should not be delayed because of minor acute illness, with or without fever. If nose congestion is serious enough to prevent proper administration of the nasal spray, the inactivated vaccine can be used or the administration of the live vaccine should be delayed until the congestion has cleared.
Administration during pregnancy: the live, attenuated vaccine should not be given to pregnant women or women planning on pregnancy
Administration during breastfeeding: Considered safe.