FluMist® Quadrivalent intranasal 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 vaccine used to prevent the flu. Flumist® is made from strains of the flu that are expected to come to North American in the upcoming flu season.
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.
Alternatives
See other products used in the treatment of •flu •influenza •
Flumist® Quadrivalent is a spray for nasal inhalation that should be given by a health care professional. It contains 4 strains of influenza virus - 2 strains of Influenza A and 2 strains of Influenza B.
Children 2 to 9 years who have not been previously vaccinated with a seasonal influenza vaccine should be given 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart. (one dose is 1 spray in each nostril)
Children 2 to 9 years who have been previously vaccinated can be given a single dose or 1 spray in each nostril.
Children, adolescents and adults 9 to 59 years of age are given a single dose or 1 spray in each nostril.
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.
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 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.