Parent Flashcard

Still have an unanswered question? 

That's OK. Here's a list of the top things many people want to know about FluMist^®.

• Q:

• What is FluMist?

• A:

• FluMist is a vaccine that is sprayed into the nose to help protect against influenza.  It can be used in eligible children, adolescents, and adults ages 2 through 49.¹

• Q:

• Was FluMist effective? 

• A:

• In a study of kids 2 years to 5 years of age, FluMist cut the risk of getting the flu in half compared to the shot.^1*
  
  * These results are from a large study during the 2004-2005 flu season.
  
  In a study of adults 18 years to 49 years of age, FluMist reduced influenza illness compared to placebo.<sup>1,2†
  
  †</sup> These results are from a large study during the 1997-1998 flu season.
  
     Past study results do not guarantee future flu season results.

• Q:

• Is FluMist a live virus vaccine? 

• A:

• Yes. Like other routine childhood vaccines, such as those for chicken pox or rotavirus, FluMist is a vaccine that contains weakened live viruses to help the body build immunity—but not cause disease.¹

• Q:

• Who may be eligible for FluMist? 

• A:

• FluMist can be used in eligible children, adolescents, and adults ages 2 through 49. FluMist may not prevent influenza in everyone who gets vaccinated.¹ See below for more information on who should not get FluMist.

• Q:

• Who should not get FluMist?

• A:

• 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; or 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.
  
  Children under 2 years old should not get FluMist because there is a chance they may wheeze (have difficulty with breathing) after getting FluMist.¹

• Q:

• Who may not be able to get FluMist? 

• A:

• 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; or are taking Tamiflu^®, Relenza^®, amantadine, or rimantadine. 
  
  They will decide if FluMist is right for you.¹

• Q:

• What are the most common side effects of FluMist?

• A:

• The most common side effects of FluMist are runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; and fever over 100 degrees F.¹ 

• Q:

• How early in the year can someone receive FluMist?

• A:

• Flu vaccines, including FluMist, can be given as early as the vaccine is available each year.³

• Q:

• Will I get sick from FluMist? 

• A:

• No. The viruses contained in FluMist are weakened and designed not to cause disease.¹

• Q:

• If I sneeze after receiving FluMist, will I give the flu to someone else? 

• A:

• No. The live influenza vaccine viruses in FluMist rarely spread from person to person. Even if they do, it is unlikely they will cause illness.¹

• Q:

• Can I receive FluMist if I am in close contact with someone with a weakened immune system
  (e.g., chemotherapy patients)?

• A:

• According to the patient counseling section within the complete Prescribing Information, vaccine recipients or their parents/guardians should be informed by the healthcare provider that FluMist is an attenuated live virus vaccine and has the potential for transmission to immunocompromised household contacts.
  
  The CDC/ACIP states that individuals who are in contact with immunocompromised persons—including those with immunocompromised due to chemotherapy—may receive FluMist. Talk to your HCP. They will decide if FM is tight for you.¹

• Q:

• Who can administer FluMist?

• A:

• Only healthcare workers can administer FluMist.¹

• Q:

• Does FluMist contain thimerosal, other preservatives, or latex?¹

• A:

• No.

• Q:

• Is FluMist available through Vaccines for Children (VFC)? 

• A:

• Yes. FluMist is available through the VFC program for eligible patients.⁴

Please see the accompanying complete Product Information, including Patient Information [PDF] for more information.