Compare Flumist vs. Fluzone
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- FlumistFlu vaccine
- FlumistFlu vaccine
Summary of Flumist vs. Fluzone
Summary for VaccinePrescription onlyFluMist is a flu vaccine that's sprayed into the nose. It's approved for people ages 2 through 49 years old. It helps protect against the flu and can be given once each year before flu season. FluMist is sprayed once into each nostril. It comes as a nasal spray that's used once in each nostril. A healthcare professional can give it, or some people might be able to do it on their own at home. FluMist is a live, attenuated vaccine. So, it's not recommended for people with a weak immune system or people who are pregnant. FluMist side effects include a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and headache.
Summary for VaccinePrescription onlyThe flu vaccine helps lower your risk of getting the flu from the influenza virus. There are many types of flu shots for adults and children that are given into the muscle. This includes standard flu shots (like Fluarix), as well as high-dose flu shots for older adults (like Fluzone High-Dose). There are also egg-free flu shots (like Flucelvax). Most people should get a flu vaccine every year. How well the flu vaccines work can change each year since the virus changes over time. Side effects include headache, muscle aches, and pain where you got the injection.
Indications of Flumist vs. Fluzone
Pros and Cons of Flumist vs. Fluzone
Pros and Const for VaccinePros•Given as a spray into the nose•Option to give at home or have a healthcare professional give it•Approved for children as young as 2 years oldCons•Not approved for people 50 years and older or people who are pregnant•Not recommended for people with a weak immune system•Might not be the best choice for people with breathing problems, like asthmaPros and Const for VaccinePros•Can help lower your risk of the flu by 30% to 60% (depends on the year)•Helps protect you from common strains of the flu virus that can make you sick•Free or low-cost vaccine options might be available, even if you don't have health insurance•High-dose flu shots are available for older adults to help give better protection•Egg-free flu vaccine options availableCons•Given as an injection into the muscle by a trained healthcare professional•Hard to predict exactly how well it'll work every year•Can cause side effects such as headaches and body aches•Can take up to 2 weeks before you're fully protected from the flu•Need to get a new flu vaccine every year for the flu seasonCommon Side Effects of Flumist vs. Fluzone
Common Side Effects for•Runny nose•Stuffy nose•Sore throat•Headache•Tiredness or weakness•Muscle achesCommon Side Effects for•Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site•Muscle aches•Headache•Feeling unwellWarnings of Flumist vs. Fluzone
Common Side Effects for•Allergic reactions•Wheezing•Guillain-Barré syndrome•Not recommended for people with a weakened immune systemCommon Side Effects for•Allergic reactions•Possible fainting after vaccination•Guillain-Barré syndrome•Lower response to the flu vaccine for people with a weak immune system•Seizures caused by high fever in children 6 months to 4 yearsPrices with our coupons for Flumist vs. Fluzone
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