What’s the Recommended Age for FluMist? Pharmacists Answer 8 Common FluMist FAQs
Key takeaways:
FluMist is a nasal flu vaccine that’s FDA approved for kids and adults age 2 to 49. The recommended FluMist dose is 1 spray (0.1 mL) in each nostril, which is equal to 1 dose (0.2 mL).
FluMist is expected to be available for self and caregiver administration for the start of the 2025-2026 flu season. Kids and adolescents age 2 to 17 should have FluMist administered by a caregiver.
Most people need only 1 FluMist dose per year. But some children age 2 to 8 may require 2 doses, with a minimum interval of 4 weeks (1 month) between them. Ask a healthcare professional if you have questions about how many FluMist doses your child needs.
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Administering your own flu vaccine will soon be a reality. FluMist (nasal flu vaccine) has been available in the U.S. for several years as a needle-free vaccine given by a healthcare professional. Starting in 2025, though, FluMist will be available for self and caregiver administration.
If you’re considering FluMist, learning about the vaccine can help you decide if it’s right for you. Asking questions can give you insight to navigate flu season. What’s the recommended FluMist age range? How can you get FluMist?
Here, we’ll answer eight of the most frequently asked questions about FluMist, including who can receive it.
1. Which age group is FluMist appropriate for?
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for most people age 6 months and older, but FluMist has age restrictions. It’s a nasal flu vaccine that’s FDA approved for people age 2 to 49.
This FluMist age restriction is in place for two reasons:
FluMist isn’t as effective in people age 50 and older.
Kids under age 2 can experience breathing problems after getting FluMist.
In these cases, it’s best to get an injectable flu vaccine (flu shot). Talk with a pharmacist about which flu vaccine is right for you.
Good to know: People with certain health conditions, especially immunocompromising health conditions, shouldn’t receive FluMist — even if they’re within the approved age range. That’s because FluMist is a live vaccine that could be risky in these situations. This also applies to people taking immunosuppressive medications such as prednisone (Rayos, Prednisone Intensol), especially when they’re taken for an extended period of time.
2. What is the recommended FluMist nasal spray dose?
The recommended FluMist dose is 1 spray (0.1 mL) in each nostril, which is equal to 1 dose (0.2 mL).
Kids and adults age 9 to 49 years old should get 1 FluMist dose every flu season.
Younger children, by comparison, may need another dose. Certain kids age 2 to 8 may need 2 doses, each separated by at least 4 weeks (1 month). This helps provide a stronger immune response if it’s your child’s first time getting a flu vaccine.
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The number of doses your child needs depends on their vaccine history. Check out the table below to learn more about vaccine doses for this age group.
Vaccine history (2-8 years old) | Number of FluMist doses needed |
|---|---|
First time receiving any flu vaccine (or vaccination history unknown) | 2 doses |
Received only 1 flu vaccine dose before July 1, 2024 | 2 doses |
Received at least 2 flu vaccine doses before July 1, 2024 | 1 dose |
Vaccine history unknown | 2 doses |
Ask a pharmacist or pediatrician if you have questions about how many FluMist doses your child needs.
Good to know: The guidance above holds true for flu shots for infants and kids 6 months to 8 years old. For instance, your 6-month-old would need 2 flu shots separated by at least 4 weeks (1 month) the first time they get a flu vaccine.
3. Is FluMist trivalent or quadrivalent?
FluMist is a trivalent vaccine for the 2024-2025 flu season. This means it protects against three flu virus strains: two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus.
COVID-19 changed the pattern of many respiratory illnesses, including the flu. One of the influenza B virus strains that was previously included in the vaccines hasn’t been detected much since March 2020. That’s why the CDC and the FDA switched all flu vaccines from quadrivalent (covering four flu virus strains) to trivalent.
4. How can you get the FluMist nasal spray?
FluMist isn’t as readily available as flu shots. But some pharmacies and health clinics keep it in stock.
AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of FluMist, has a handy search tool on its website to help you find it at a location near you. You can get FluMist administered at certain prescribers’ offices, healthcare centers, and the following pharmacies (as of October 2024):
Walmart
Rite Aid
Sam’s Club
Bartell Drugs
Thrifty White Pharmacy
FluMist is expected to be available for self and caregiver administration by the start of the 2025-2026 flu season. You must be at least 18 years old to order FluMist for yourself or family members. AstraZeneca will work with an online pharmacy to order FluMist. After you complete a medical questionnaire, a pharmacist will review your health information to make sure the FluMist vaccine is right for you. If you’re eligible, they’ll ship FluMist to your home.
5. Who should have the nasal spray administered by a caregiver?
Kids and adolescents age 2 to 17 should have FluMist administered by a parent or a caregiver who is at least 18 years old. Research shows that parents can successfully administer FluMist to their kids at home.
Families will receive FluMist administration instructions with their home shipment once this option is available.
6. Can you still have the nasal spray administered by a healthcare professional?
FluMist is administered only by healthcare professionals. But even after the self or caregiver option hits the market, you may be more comfortable with a pharmacist or pediatrician administering the FluMist vaccine. Not to worry: You’ll still have that choice available.
7. Can I receive FluMist and a flu shot?
In most cases, this isn’t necessary. Kids and adults age 9 to 49 should receive either a flu shot or FluMist once a year — not both.
If your child is 2 to 8 years old and is getting a flu vaccine for the first time, they could receive FluMist and a flu shot. One option is getting a flu shot followed by FluMist at least 4 weeks (1 month) later. Once young children complete their initial 2 flu vaccine doses, they should get only 1 dose of FluMist or a flu shot each year.
On the other hand, kids under age 2 should get two flu shots — separated by at least 4 weeks (1 month) — the first time they get a flu vaccine. Based on their age, they aren’t eligible to get FluMist quite yet.
8. Does FluMist hurt?
Typically, no. That’s because it’s a nasal spray rather than an injection. This is the main reason why kids may prefer FluMist, especially if they’re afraid of needles. But certain FluMist side effects could be uncomfortable and are more likely with a nasal spray than a shot. Runny nose and congestion are a couple of top ones. But they should go away after a few days.
But nasal sprays, such as FluMist, may not be right for everyone. If you’re not a fan of the spray sensation, it could feel uncomfortable. In this case, a flu shot may be a better option.
The bottom line
FluMist (nasal flu vaccine) is a needle-free vaccine option. The approved FluMist age range is 2 to 49 years old. FluMist should be administered by a healthcare professional, but it’s expected to be available for self and caregiver administration for the 2025-2026 flu season. The recommended FluMist dosage is 1 spray (0.1 mL) in each nostril (0.2 mL total) once a year. Certain kids 2 to 8 years old may need 2 doses if it’s their first time getting the flu vaccine.
Why trust our experts?
References
AstraZeneca. (2024). FluMist approved for self-administration in the US.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Flu and children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Trivalent influenza vaccines.
Flood, E. M., et al. (2011). A survey of children’s preferences for influenza vaccine attributes. Vaccine.
Grohskopf, L. A., et al. (2024). Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2024–25 influenza season. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Immunize.org. (n.d.). Guide for determining the number of doses of influenza vaccine to give to children age 6 months through 8 years.
Jhaveri, R., et al. (2017). A feasibility trial of home administration of intranasal vaccine by parents to eligible children. Clinical Therapeutics.
MedImmune. (2024). FluMist (influenza vaccine live, intranasal) nasal spray, for intranasal use [package insert].
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). FDA approves nasal spray influenza vaccine for self or caregive -administration.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). FluMist.
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