Intranasal Influenza Vaccine

What is intranasal influenza vaccine?

INTRANASAL INFLUENZA VACCINE (FluMist™) helps to reduce the risk of the 'flu', which is an infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu virus spreads from infected persons to the nose or throat of others. People with the flu may have aches, cold-like symptoms, fever or more serious illness. The 'flu season' in the U.S. is from November through April each year. A yearly vaccination is recommended to prevent infection from the influenza virus during each flu season. People may still catch the flu despite getting this vaccine, but their illness is often milder than those who do not get the vaccine. A generic intranasal influenza vaccine is not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an immune deficiency (natural or due to cancer chemotherapy, radiation, or steroid therapy)

• asthma

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• diabetes mellitus

• fever or infection

• Guillain-Barre syndrome or other neurological problems

• infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS

• kidney disease

• leukemia or lymphoma

• sickle cell anemia

• an unusual or allergic reaction to intranasal influenza vaccine, eggs, gelatin, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Intranasal influenza vaccine is given by nasal spray into the nose. It is given by a health care professional in a clinic, pharmacy, prescriber's office, or other health care setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. The intranasal influenza vaccine may be given to children at least 2 years of age.

The use of this vaccine must be officially recorded. Federal law requires that the manufacturer's name and lot number; name, address, and phone number of the person giving the vaccine; and the date of administration be recorded in the patient's permanent medical record. Your health care professional will give you some written information about the vaccine. You should read this information.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• anakinra

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• medicines for organ transplant

• medicines to treat cancer

• medicines to treat the flu

• other medicines used in the nose

• other vaccines

• some medicines for arthritis

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What should I watch for while taking intranasal influenza vaccine?

Report any side effects to the prescriber or health care professional that gave you the vaccine. Call your health care provider if any unusual symptoms occur within 6 weeks of receiving this vaccine.

After you receive this intranasal 'flu' vaccine, avoid close contact for 21 days with anyone with an impaired immune system. Your health care provider can give you specific instructions. Examples of people that have an impaired immune system may be those with HIV infection, AIDS, cancer, or certain chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. You could possibly give someone with an impaired immune system the 'flu'.

Remember that the influenza vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu, but may not prevent your chance of getting it completely. The flu vaccine will not protect against colds or other illnesses besides the flu that may cause fever or cold symptoms. Ask your health care professional about immunization for other family members.

What side effects may I notice from receiving intranasal influenza vaccine?

Most people who get intranasal influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing

• ear pain, itching, fullness

• extreme irritability

• skin rash, itching, or hives

• swelling of eyes or face

• fever over 102 degrees F

• unusual weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• chills

• congestion or stuffy nose

• cough

• headache

• low-grade fever (102 degrees F or less)

• muscle aches and pains

• runny nose

• tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. This vaccine will be administered in the clinic or office of a health care professional. You will not be given vaccine doses to store at home.