Flumist 2025-2026

Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you are using this vaccine at home, read the Instructions for Use before you start using this vaccine. Learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional.

This vaccine is usually given by a health care professional or may also be used at home. It is sprayed into each nostril, one at a time. Sit or stand upright with your head tilted back when you receive the vaccine.

The vaccination is usually given once a year during September to November, the time when the number of flu cases begin to increase (the start of "flu season"). Children younger than 9 years may receive a second dose depending on when the first dose was given. Discuss the dose schedule with your health care professional.

Cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, headache, chills, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your health care professional promptly.

Remember that this vaccine has been prescribed because your health care professional has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this vaccine do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this vaccine is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your health care professional.

Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

See also Precautions section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine are: drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone).

Avoid taking certain drugs that fight flu virus (such as amantadine, oseltamivir, rimantadine) when receiving this vaccine. If you are currently taking any of these drugs, you should not receive this vaccine until at least 48 hours after stopping treatment. Do not take any of these drugs until at least 2 weeks after receiving this vaccine.

Not applicable.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Keep vaccine records for yourself and your children and provide them to the health care professionals to prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.

This vaccine is usually given once every flu season. If your child is prescribed a second dose, mark your calendar with a reminder. If your child misses the dose, call the health care professional to reschedule.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the product in the original carton to protect from light. This product may be taken out of the refrigerator and put back in the refrigerator only once, if needed. The total time out of the refrigerator should not be more than 12 hours. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.