The Flu Mist was licensed in 2003 and is manufactured by Medimmune. It is different from injectable influenza vaccines because it contains weakened live influenza viruses instead of killed viruses and is administered by nasal spray instead of injection. When the viruses are sprayed into the nose, they stimulate the body’s immune system to develop protective antibodies against selected strains of influenza A and B. The vaccine does not contain thimerosal as a preservative.

The Flu Mist is effective!

Town and Country Pediatrics conducted an in office study revealing that FluMist was 98.5% effective in prevention of the flu.

In a different study, administration of FluMist resulted in 19-24% fewer severe respiratory tract illnesses with fever.

Keep in mind that:

• Two doses of FluMist should be given (4 weeks apart) if your child is ≤ 9 years of age and has never received flu vaccine.

• Side effects may include runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscle aches and fever.

• People who may spread influenza to others with severely weakened immune systems should not receive FluMist

• FluMist nasal vaccine can be given to people with minor illnesses or mild upper respiratory tract infection without fever. However, if there is considerable nasal congestion- delaying administration may be necessary.

• FluMist may not be given to patients who have egg allergies.

• FluMist may not be given to those with chronic illnesses or have moderate-severe RAD/asthma.If you have questions about whether or not your child is a candidate to receive FluMist please call the office to speak to a nurse or doctor.

• Please bring in the FluMist questionnaire when you come to the office to receive your vaccine. Click here to download your FluMist Questionnaire in pdf form.

NOTE: We have been informed of a possible delay from the manufacturer of thimerosal-free INJECTABLE FLU VACCINE.

INJECTABLE vaccination is the recommended mode of vaccination for children 6 months through<5 years and for children with chronic illnesses with whom live vaccines would be inappropriate.

Stock for this vaccine may be limited.

We will be updating the website and sending emails as the information becomes available.