Download PDF file - Halton Region

FLUMIST® QUADRIVALENT
QUARDRIVALENT
What is FluMist® Quadrivalent? FluMist® is the

brand name of a nasal spray influenza vaccine
recommended for use in healthy children 2 through 17
years of age. FluMist® is needle free. It can be given
instead of the annual seasonal influenza injection. It
provides protection against four strains of influenza
virus.

Halton
Region
How does FluMist
work?
While the traditional influenza vaccine is made from
killed viruses, FluMist® is made from weakened live
viruses. Like other influenza vaccinations, FluMist®
does not cause the flu. The weakened live virus
reproduces inside the person's nose and produces
viruses that the immune system learns to attack. While
the traditional influenza injection stimulates production
of flu-fighting antibodies in the blood, FluMist®
stimulates production of antibodies in both the blood
and the nose. It takes about two weeks for the
antibodies to fully develop.
How is FluMist® given?
FluMist® vaccine is sprayed in each nostril with a small,
needleless syringe.
®
Who can use FluMist ?
FluMist® is licensed in Canada for people between the
ages of 2 and 59 years, but is free only for children
and adolescents 2 through 17 years of age.
Who should not use FluMist®?
 people who have had severe allergic reaction







(hives, throat, and/or tongue swelling, difficulty
breathing or shock) to a past influenza vaccine
people who have had a severe allergy to any part
of the vaccine, except eggs
children under age 2
people ages 60 years or older
pregnant women (however, it is permitted in
breastfeeding women)
children and adolescents (2-17 years of age)
receiving aspirin or medicines containing aspirin
people with severe asthma or active wheezing
people with a weakened immune system due to
disease or drug treatment

people who care for or will be visiting persons with
severe immune compromising conditions (bone
marrow transplant recipient in isolation) within 2
weeks of receiving FluMist®
people who have taken antiviral medication
against influenza in the last 48 hours
people who have developed Guillain-Barré
syndrome within 6 weeks of a past influenza
vaccine
FluMist® should be delayed in the following
circumstances:
 severe acute illness with or without fever
 very congested nose
What to expect after FluMist®?
All influenza vaccines are safe and well-tolerated.
Some possible side effects from FluMist are:
 a runny or stuffy nose, headache, sore throat,
cough, chills and weakness
 children may also experience fever and
decreased appetite
How many doses of FluMist® do I need?
Children under nine years of age receiving seasonal
influenza vaccine for the first time should receive two
doses given at least 4 weeks apart. They are then
recommended to receive one dose per year thereafter.
Should I get FluMist® each year?
As with all influenza vaccines, you need to get a
FluMist® nasal spray vaccine or influenza injection
every year. This is necessary to maximize your
protection as immunity weakens over time and the
strains of influenza viruses change most years.
Where Can I Get FluMist®?
FluMist® will be offered, depending on availability, to
children and adolescents 2 through 17 years of age at
health care providers’ offices and Halton Region
Health Department clinics. Participating pharmacies
can offer FluMist® to children and adolescents aged
five through 17 years.
October 2016