Intranasal Flu Vaccine

Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine is made from a weakened strain of influenza virus which can be administered as a nasal spray rather than by injection.  This vaccine is licensed in the US and is sold under the name "Flumist".  This vaccine is an alternative to a "flu shot" for some children 2 years of age and older who are in good health.  Read below to see whether your child may be able to receive this vaccine.  We expect to have this vaccine available in our office for the 2008-9 season beginning in September 2008.. 

The following persons should not be vaccinated with Flumist:

• persons aged <2 years or those aged >50 years;
• persons with moderate or severe asthma, reactive airways disease or other chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems; persons with other underlying medical conditions, including such metabolic diseases as diabetes, renal dysfunction, and hemoglobinopathies; or persons with known or suspected immunodeficiency diseases or who are receiving immunosuppressive therapies;
• children or adolescents receiving aspirin or other salicylates (because of the association of Reye syndrome with wild-type influenza infection);
• persons with a history of Guillian-Barre syndrome;
• pregnant women; or
• persons with a history of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, to any of the components of Flumist or to eggs.

For complete information about the intranasal influenza vaccine see the Live Intranasal Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet (PDF) or the Centers for Disease Control Website.