Comparing FluMist and the Flu Shot: A Breakdown of Their Differences, Potential Side Effects, Age Suitability, and Additional Information
FluMist Quadrivalent is a nasal spray vaccine used to prevent the flu in individuals aged 2 to 49 years. This live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) protects against four different strains of the flu virus.
Eligibility and Administration
FluMist is FDA-approved for use in individuals aged 2 to 49 years. However, it is not recommended for children younger than 2 years, older adults, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, or those with a history of severe allergic reactions to any of the vaccine's ingredients.
The vaccine should be administered according to a healthcare provider's instructions. It is essential to get the flu vaccine a few weeks before flu season begins in your area.
Interactions and Precautions
FluMist has no known interactions with alcohol or most supplements and foods. However, it can interact with several medications, including aspirin and certain antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu. Children ages 2 through 17 years who are taking aspirin or medication that has aspirin in it should not get the FluMist vaccine. Taking certain antiviral drugs when you receive FluMist may make the vaccine ineffective.
Individuals with a severe egg allergy should not receive FluMist. Those with an allergy to eggs that isn't severe should consult their doctor about whether it's safe for them to receive the vaccine.
Safety Considerations
FluMist may cause mild or serious side effects such as fever, diarrhea, runny nose, sore throat, headache, cough, muscle aches, decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, allergic reactions, wheezing, and stomach pain in children.
It's safe to get the FluMist vaccine while you're breastfeeding.
Alternatives and Comparisons
Other vaccines are available that can prevent the flu. If you're interested in finding an alternative to FluMist, talk with your doctor. FluMist can be compared with a flu shot, which is an injection that offers protection against the flu.
Effectiveness
During the 2022–2023 season, FluMist Quadrivalent was 64% effective in children aged 2 to 17, while cell-based quadrivalent vaccines were 72% effective in the same age group. When evaluating the effectiveness of flu vaccines, it is essential to consider factors like the circulating strains of influenza, the vaccine's composition, and the population's immune status.
Additional Considerations
Financial assistance is available for FluMist through programs listed on the NeedyMeds website. The cost of FluMist can vary depending on insurance, location, and pharmacy. Before approving coverage for FluMist, your insurance company may require prior authorization.
It's crucial to remember that FluMist is not effective against COVID-19. FluMist shouldn't be received if you have or think you have COVID-19.
Steps to Find Information
- Check Official Health Websites: Visit official health websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) for general information on flu vaccines, including FluMist Quadrivalent.
- Scientific Studies and Reviews: Look for peer-reviewed studies on academic databases like PubMed or Google Scholar. These studies often provide detailed analyses of vaccine effectiveness in different age groups.
- Previous Year's Data: Review reports from previous flu seasons to find data on the effectiveness of FluMist Quadrivalent.
- Vaccine Manufacturer's Website: AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of FluMist, might provide specific details about its product, though you may need to search through press releases or clinical trial reports.
- Healthcare Providers: Consult with healthcare providers or pediatricians who can offer insights based on clinical experience and recent guidelines.
- Comparison with Other Vaccines: Compare FluMist's effectiveness with other types of flu vaccines, such as cell-based or egg-based vaccines, to understand its relative benefits.
Key Points
- Effectiveness: During the 2022–2023 season, FluMist Quadrivalent was 64% effective in children aged 2 to 17, while cell-based quadrivalent vaccines were 72% effective in the same age group.
- Vaccine Type: FluMist is a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), offering a needle-free option that is particularly appealing for children.
- General Considerations: When evaluating the effectiveness of flu vaccines, it is essential to consider factors like the circulating strains of influenza, the vaccine's composition, and the population's immune status.
- The flu vaccine, FluMist Quadrivalent, has a FDA-approval for individuals aged 2 to 49 years, but isn't recommended for children under 2, older adults, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, or those with severe allergies to its components.
- It is crucial to adhere to a healthcare provider's instructions for administering FluMist, ensuring it is given a few weeks before the flu season starts in your area.
- FluMist does not interact with alcohol or most supplements and foods, but it may interact with certain medications like aspirin and antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu.
- Those with a severe egg allergy should not receive FluMist, while those with a mild allergy to eggs should consult their doctor for further recommendations.
- Mild to serious side effects from FluMist can include fever, diarrhea, runny nose, muscle aches, and lethargy in children, but it is safe for breastfeeding mothers.
- In the 2022–2023 season, FluMist Quadrivalent demonstrated an effectiveness of 64% among children aged 2 to 17, whereas cell-based quadrivalent vaccines exhibited a 72% effectiveness in the same age group.
- Financial assistance for FluMist is available through various programs found on the NeedyMeds website. Insurance coverage for FluMist might require prior authorization and the cost can vary based on factors like insurance, location, and pharmacy.
- FluMist is ineffective against COVID-19 and should not be received if an individual has or suspects having COVID-19.
- Additional resources for information on FluMist and other flu vaccines can be found on official health websites like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Peer-reviewed studies provided on academic databases like PubMed or Google Scholar can offer detailed analyses of vaccine effectiveness across various age groups.
- Comparing FluMist's effectiveness against other types of flu vaccines, such as cell-based or egg-based vaccines, is essential to understand its relative benefits and ensure the best possible health-and-wellness outcomes, including mens-health, skin-care, mental-health, sexual-health, fitness-and-exercise, weight-management, womens-health, parenting, aging, and even health-related aspects under Medicare.
