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What Is the FluMist Vaccine?

FluMist is an influenza vaccine given as a nasal spray. It contains weakened live influenza viruses designed to stimulate an immune response. It is approved for people aged 2 through 49 years who meet its eligibility criteria.

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What Is the FluMist Vaccine?

FluMist is an influenza vaccine given as a nasal spray. It contains weakened live influenza viruses designed to stimulate an immune response. It is approved for people aged 2 through 49 years who meet its eligibility criteria.

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What Is the FluMist Vaccine Used For?

FluMist helps prevent influenza caused by the virus strains included in the seasonal vaccine. It is an option for eligible children and adults who prefer a nasal spray. Vaccination is needed each flu season as the recommended vaccine composition can change.

How Does the FluMist Vaccine Work?

The weakened vaccine viruses stimulate immune defenses in the nose and elsewhere in the body. These defenses help the body respond if it later encounters influenza virus. Protection takes time to develop and is not guaranteed against every flu infection.

How Is the FluMist Vaccine Given?

One spray is delivered into each nostril to complete a dose. An eligible person may receive it from a healthcare professional or, under the approved process, through self or caregiver administration. Some children aged 2 through 8 years need two doses in a season, depending on vaccination history.

What Are FluMist Vaccine Side Effects and Precautions?

Runny nose or nasal congestion can occur, and some recipients have fever or sore throat. FluMist is unsuitable for certain people, including those who are pregnant or have significant immune suppression. A clinician should review conditions such as asthma and any aspirin-containing treatment in children before vaccination.

Frequently Asked Questions About the FluMist Vaccine

Is FluMist a flu shot?

No. FluMist is administered as a spray into the nose rather than an injection.

What ages can receive FluMist?

FluMist is approved for people aged 2 through 49 years. Medical conditions and other factors can affect whether it is appropriate within that age range.

Does FluMist need to be given every year?

Yes. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended each year for eligible people.

Who should ask about an alternative to FluMist?

People who are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have certain other conditions should discuss vaccine options with a clinician. Children and adolescents taking aspirin-containing medicines should not receive FluMist.

References

FluMist. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines/flumist. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

FLUMIST- influenza vaccine live intranasal spray. DailyMed (National Library of Medicine). https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b8f34cfb-ee00-4b4a-aff8-643fe6f1d9e1. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Safety | Vaccine Safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/flu.html. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine [LAIV] (The Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine) | Influenza (Flu). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccine-types/nasalspray.html. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices ? United States, 2025?26 Influenza Season | MMWR. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7432a2.htm. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.