influenza virus vaccine (nasal)

What is the most important information I should know about this vaccine?

What is influenza virus nasal vaccine?

Influenza (commonly known as "the flu") is a serious disease caused by a virus. Influenza virus can spread from one person to another through small droplets of saliva that are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be passed through contact with objects the infected person has touched, such as a door handle or other surfaces.

Influenza virus nasal vaccine (nasal flu vaccine) is used to prevent infection caused by influenza virus. The vaccine is redeveloped each year to contain specific strains of activated (live) flu virus that are recommended by public health officials for that year.

Nasal flu vaccine is for use in adults up to 49 years old, and children who are at least 2 years old.

This vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of the influenza virus, which helps your body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Becoming infected with influenza is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. Influenza causes thousands of deaths each year, and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Like any vaccine, nasal flu vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine?

• a history of severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine;
• a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (within 6 weeks after receiving a flu vaccine);
• asthma, wheezing, or other breathing problems;
• heart problems;
• kidney disease;
• a weak immune system (or if someone in your household has a weak immune system);
• diabetes;
• if you have recently taken oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), amantadine (Symmetrel), or rimantadine (Flumadine); or
• if you are under 18 years old and have recently taken aspirin.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

Receiving this vaccine is not expected to be harmful if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is this vaccine given?

This vaccine is given as a nasal spray into each nostril. A healthcare provider will give you this vaccine. A child receiving this vaccine may need a repeat dose 1 month after receiving the first vaccine.

You should receive a flu vaccine every year. Your immunity will gradually decrease over the 12 months after you receive the influenza virus nasal vaccine. Children receiving nasal flu vaccine may need a booster dose one month after receiving the first vaccine.

The nasal flu vaccine is usually given in October or November. Some people may need to have their vaccines earlier or later. Follow your doctor's instructions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this vaccine is usually given only one time per year, you will most likely not be on a dosing schedule. Call your doctor if you forget to receive your yearly vaccination in October or November.

If your child misses a booster dose of this vaccine, call your doctor for instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine?

For at least 21 days after receiving a nasal flu vaccine, avoid close contact with anyone who has a weak immune system caused by disease (such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS), or by caused by using medication such as steroids, immunosuppressants, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. A person with a weak immune system can become ill if they have close contact with you after you have recently received a live vaccine.

For at least 2 weeks after receiving this vaccine, avoid using antiviral flu medications (such as Tamiflu, Relenza, and others.

What are the possible side effects of influenza virus nasal vaccine?

Nasal flu vaccine is a live virus vaccine and may cause you to have mild flu-like symptoms. However, you may have flu-like symptoms at any time during flu season that may be caused by other strains of influenza virus.

Common side effects include:

• fever over 100 degrees F;
• chills;
• runny or stuffy nose;
• sore throat, cough;
• loss of appetite;
• muscle pain;
• headache; or
• feeling tired or irritable.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

What other drugs will affect influenza virus nasal vaccine?

Many drugs can affect nasal flu vaccine, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.