Flumist
(Influenza Vaccine)
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Prevents the flu.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
Our bottom line
The Flumist (Influenza Vaccine) is the best way to prevent being infected by the possibly deadly virus. Get the shot every year.
Quick facts about Influenza Vaccine
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- The flu vaccine has been tremendously effective in preventing flu-related hospitalizations. One study showed it decreased hospitalizations by 71% among adults and 74% among children.
- The Flumist (Influenza Vaccine) can keep you from getting sick and protects the people around you from getting the flu.
- There is no link between autism and vaccinations containing the preservative thimerosal. Most vaccines aren't even made with this anymore.
- Even if the virus you're exposed to isn’t one of the three or four in the Flumist (Influenza Vaccine), it can still be helpful in protecting you from becoming very sick.
- The flu vaccine can’t give you the flu.
Tried Influenza Vaccine? Write a review!
Downsides
- Although scientists try to include what should be the 3 most common viruses in the Flumist (Influenza Vaccine), they can’t predict exactly which ones will be the worst during the flu season.
- There's up to a 20% chance that you could still get the flu even after getting the Flumist (Influenza Vaccine).
- It can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to kick in and protect you from the flu.
- You'll need to get vaccinated every year to protect you from the flu.
How it works
The Flumist (Influenza Vaccine) is an inactivated vaccine (made from a dead virus) that protects you from the flu (influenza). The vaccine helps your immune system create antibodies, which are proteins that identify and destroy bacteria and viruses, including the influenza virus.
Quick facts about Influenza Vaccine
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Flu prevention
- Asthma attack prevention
- Ear infection prevention
Dosage forms
- Nasal spray
- Injection
Tried Influenza Vaccine? Write a review!
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 1 (0.5ml) dose of Flucelvax near
- Get free coupon
$31.00 - Get free coupon
$31.00
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
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See more prices and coupons in your areaSide effect rates for Flumist (Influenza Vaccine)
From 1992 clinical trials of Influenza Vaccine when taken for flu prevention
- Runny nose/nasal congestion57%57%50%50%
- Runny nose44%44%27%27%
- Runny nose/nasal congestion44%44%
- Headache40%40%38%38%
- Pain37%37%8%8%
- Runny nose/nasal congestion32%32%
- Sore throat28%28%17%17%
- Headache28%28%
- Tiredness/weakness26%26%22%22%
- Decreased appetite21%21%17%17%
- Irritability21%21%19%19%
- Sore throat19%19%
- Decreased activity (lethargy)18%18%
- Muscle aches17%17%15%15%
- Fever16%16%11%11%
- Headache15%15%16%16%
- Fatigue15%15%14%14%
- Decreased activity (lethargy)14%14%11%11%
- Cough14%14%11%11%
- Decreased appetite13%13%
- Fever13%13%
- Headache13%13%
- Irritability12%12%
- Abdominal pain12%12%4%4%
- Sore throat11%11%9%9%
- Muscle Pain11%11%7%7%
- Decreased activity (lethargy)10%10%
- Muscle aches10%10%
- Headache9%9%7%7%
- Sore throat9%9%
- Chills9%9%6%6%
- Nasal congestion9%9%2%2%
- Decreased activity (lethargy)7%7%
- Fever7%7%
- Wheezing6%6%
- Muscle aches6%6%3%3%
- Decreased activity6%6%
- Decreased appetite6%6%
- Nausea6%6%5%5%
- Sore throat5%5%
- Chills4%4%3%3%
- Muscle aches4%4%
- Sinusitis4%4%2%2%
- Redness4%4%2%2%
- Joint pain4%4%4%4%
- Otitis media3%3%1%1%
- Headache3%3%
- Swelling3%3%2%2%
- Bruising3%3%3%3%
- Chills3%3%3%3%
- Wheezing2%2%
- Abdominal pain2%2%
- Muscle aches2%2%
- Chills2%2%
- Sneezing2%2%
0%
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80%
Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Influenza Vaccine.
Flumist (Influenza Vaccine)
Placebo
People taking Influenza Vaccine felt side effect more
People taking Influenza Vaccine felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for Flumist (Influenza Vaccine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Children less than 8
The 2010 flu shot was linked with causing fevers and febrile seizures in young children.
Common concerns from people taking Flumist (Influenza Vaccine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Pregnancy
Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.FDA pregnancy category for Influenza Vaccine
CWeigh risks vs. benefits