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, FluMist Quadrivalent 2016-2017 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 vaccine (a flu shot), 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.
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.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

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 breathing problems (including asthma or wheezing), immune system problems (including cancer or HIV), or a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Also tell him 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
Trouble breathing or wheezing
Weakness or tingling in your legs, feet, or arms, trouble walking, unusual muscle weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Decreased appetite
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches
Headache
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: 1/27/2017