Influenza (Flu) FAQ : The Nasal-Spray Flu Vaccine, Part 2

by CDC

(Page 6 of 6)

What side effects are associated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV)?

In children, side effects can include runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. In adults, side effects can include runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. Fever is not a common side effect in adults receiving the nasal-spray flu vaccine.

When should the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) be given?

The optimal time to receive influenza vaccine is usually in October or November. Children between the ages of 5 and 8 years who have never received influenza vaccine should receive the nasal-spray flu vaccine for the first time in October or earlier because they need a second dose 6 to 10 weeks after the first dose.

How often should the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) be given?

LAIV should be given each year before the influenza season.

Can people who received inactivated influenza vaccine (the flu shot) last year get the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) this year?

Yes, people who got inactivated influenza vaccine (the flu shot) last year can get the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) this year.

Can the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) be given at the same time as other vaccines?

An inactivated vaccine may be given either at the same time or at any time before or after the nasal-spray flu vaccine. A live vaccine may be given together with the nasal-spray flu vaccine. If the two live vaccines are not given at the same visit, they should be given more than 4 weeks apart.

Can the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) be used together with influenza antiviral medications?

If a person is taking an influenza antiviral drug (including Symmetrel [amantadine] for Parkinson's disease), then the nasal-spray flu vaccine should not be given until 48 hours after the last dose of the influenza antiviral medication was given. If a person has received the nasal-spray flu vaccine, an influenza antiviral medication should not be given until 2 weeks after the flu mist was administered.

If a child under the age of 9 years is getting influenza vaccine for the first time and requires 2 doses, does the same type of vaccine have to be used for both doses?

No, the first and second doses do not have to match; live or inactivated vaccine can be used for either dose. If inactivated influenza vaccine (the flu shot) is used first, then the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) should be given at least 4 weeks later. If the nasal-spray flu vaccine is used first, the second vaccine should be given 6 to 10 weeks later.

How is the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) stored?

The nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) must be stored frozen at -15°C or colder. Any freezer (e.g., chest, frost-free) that reliably maintains an average temperature of -15°C and has a separate sealed freezer door is acceptable for storing LAIV. After thawing, the vaccine may be stored for up to 60 hours prior to use in a refrigerator at 2-8°C, and it should not be refrozen. Vaccine thawed for more than 60 hours should be discarded.

What personal protective equipment is recommended for health-care workers who are giving LAIV?

Personal protective equipment (gloves and masks) are not required for health-care workers administering LAIV.

Does the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) contain thimerosal?

No, the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV) does not contain thimerosal or any other preservative.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

What is GBS?

Guillain-Barré (pronounced ghee-YAN bah-RAY) syndrome is a disease in which the body damages its own nerve cells (outside of the brain and spinal cord), resulting in muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. GBS can last for weeks to months. Most people eventually recover completely or nearly completely, but some people have permanent nerve damage and between 5% and 6% of people who develop GBS die. GBS affects people of both sexes and all ages, and has been reported in all races.

What causes GBS?

It is thought that GBS may be triggered by an infection. The infection that most commonly precedes GBS is caused by a bacterium called Campylobacter jejuni. Other respiratory or intestinal illnesses and other triggers may also precede an episode of GBS. In 1976, vaccination with the swine flu vaccine was associated with getting GBS. Several studies have been done to evaluate if other flu vaccines since 1976 were associated with GBS. Only one of the studies showed an association. That study suggested that one person out of 1 million vaccinated persons may be at risk of GBS associated with the vaccine.

About the Author

www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the principal agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and for providing essential human services, especially for those people who are least able to help themselves.