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Influenza (flu) is a common respiratory virus that can cause fever, cough, muscle aches, fatigue and chills. In severe cases, it may cause trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, confusion and dehydration; in some cases, it may cause severe weakness, seizures or death, particularly in older adults.[1] The virus typically spreads during “flu season” (from October to May), but it is most common in the fall and winter and can be contracted at any time of year.
To protect against the flu and...
Influenza (flu) is a common respiratory virus that can cause fever, cough, muscle aches, fatigue and chills. In severe cases, it may cause trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, confusion and dehydration; in some cases, it may cause severe weakness, seizures or death, particularly in older adults.[1] The virus typically spreads during “flu season” (from October to May), but it is most common in the fall and winter and can be contracted at any time of year.
To protect against the flu and its most severe symptoms, most adults and children 6 months of age and older should receive a flu vaccine each year,[2] preferably in the fall or early winter. In most cases, flu vaccines are administered by injection into the muscle of the upper arm. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take full effect.
A nasal spray version of the flu vaccine (FLUMIST) has been available for administration by a clinician for non-pregnant people aged 5 to 49 years since 2003 and for non-pregnant people aged 2 to 49 years since 2007.[3] The intranasal vaccine is an alternative for people who can’t or don’t want to receive an injection version of the flu vaccine.
In September 2024 the Food and Drug Administration approved the nasal spray flu vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration, providing another option for vaccination against the flu each year.[4] The approval of the intranasal vaccine for use outside of a clinical setting will make it easier for many people to receive a flu vaccine, particularly those who are hesitant to receive an injection. A prescription is still required to receive the nasal spray vaccine, even if it will be administered at home.
Unlike the injectable flu vaccine, the nasal spray vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened form of the live influenza virus.[5] As such, there is a small risk of transmission to immunocompromised household contacts.[6] Common adverse effects include fever, runny nose, nasal congestion and sore throat.[7] Among other warnings and precautions, children younger than 5 years with recurrent wheezing and persons of any age with asthma may be at increased risk of wheezing following administration of the vaccine.
If you are interested in receiving the nasal spray flu vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration, consult with your clinician about whether this is a good option for you.
References
[1] Mayo Clinic. Influenza (flu). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719. Accessed November 4, 2024.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Who needs a flu vaccine. October 3, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/vaccinations.html. Accessed November 4, 2024.
[3] Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves nasal spray influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration. September 20, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-nasal-spray-influenza-vaccine-self-or-caregiver-administration. Accessed November 4, 2024.
[4] Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves nasal spray influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration. September 20, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-nasal-spray-influenza-vaccine-self-or-caregiver-administration. Accessed November 4, 2024.
[5] Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves nasal spray influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration. September 20, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-nasal-spray-influenza-vaccine-self-or-caregiver-administration. Accessed November 4, 2024.
[6] Food and Drug Administration. Drug label: FluMist. Updated September 2024. https://www.fda.gov/media/180697/download?attachment. Accessed November 4, 2024.
[7] Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves nasal spray influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration. September 20, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-nasal-spray-influenza-vaccine-self-or-caregiver-administration. Accessed November 4, 2024.
