FluMist: A Painless Option to the Annual Flu Shot
En Español (Spanish Version) The
flu strikes many people each year, and one of the best ways to prevent the flu is getting vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people older than six months get vaccinated against influenza. Two types of vaccines exist. One type is the flu shot vaccine and the other type is the nasal spray flu vaccine called FluMist.
The traditional flu shot, made with an inactivated or killed virus, stimulates the body’s immune system to fight off the flu bug.
The FluMist vaccine is made with a modified live virus. The body builds up immunity as the virus reproduces in the nasal passages.
Some of the most common side effects of FluMist are runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, and fever.
“The vaccine is associated with side effects that are typically transient and quite mild,” says Jeff Stoddard, MD, senior director of medical affairs for FluMist manufacturer, MedImmune, Inc. “Cold-like symptoms are a more common side effect. The flu itself was not seen during efficacy studies.”
MedImmune developed FluMist with healthy adults and children in mind. It is safe and effective for healthy individuals 2-49 years old. Healthy children 2-4 years old should only receive FluMist if they have not had wheezing in the past 12 months.
Elderly adults, and those with underlying medical conditions are most at risk of flu complications. But they should not take the live virus nasal spray vaccine. “However, they are eligible and should receive the killed-flu vaccine that is given by injection,” says Pedro A. Piedra, MD, associate professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. He has worked with live flu vaccines for more than 16 years.
FluMist is not recommended for:
- Adults aged 50 years and older
- Children aged 6-23 months (Children younger than 6 months should not get the flu shot nor FluMist.)
- Children aged less than 5 years who have asthma (including wheezing)
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic conditions (eg, heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney or liver disease, metabolic disease, blood disorders)
- People with nerve or muscle disorders
- People with weakened immune systems
- People in close contact with others who have a weakened immune system
- Children or teens on long-term aspirin therapy
Before getting the nasal spray vaccine, talk to your doctor if you:
- Have severe (life-threatening) allergies (including an allergy to eggs)
- Have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine
- Have had Guillain–Barré syndrome
- Currently have a cold
- Received a vaccine in the past 4 weeks
Piedra emphasizes the importance of protecting yourself and your family against flu. He says both the shot and nasal spray are good vaccines. But the nasal spray produces less anxiety and fewer cries from youngsters. “As a pediatrician, I’m a strong advocate of prevention of disease,” Piedra says. “When one looks at the impact of influenza has in the community, it’s tremendous, and we underestimate that.”
Ask your health professional which vaccine is best for you and your loved ones. Don’t wait until the flu is in high gear. Take steps now to protect yourself.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Canadian Association of Family Physicians
Canadian Public Health
Health Unit
Baker CJ, Pickerling LK, Chilton L, et al; Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Recommended adult immunization schedule: United States, 2011. Ann Intern Med. 2011;154(3):168-173.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0-18 years —United States, 2011. MMWR 2011;60(5).
Last Reviewed February 2011