Key takeaways:
FluMist is a nasal flu vaccine that’s FDA approved for kids and adults ages 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 now approved for self and caregiver administration. You can order it online and have it shipped to your home. A healthcare professional can also give it to you at a pharmacy or health clinic.
Most people need only 1 FluMist dose per year. But some children ages 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.
Save on related medications
For the first time, giving yourself a flu vaccine is an option to consider. FluMist (nasal flu vaccine) has been available in the U.S. for several years as a needle-free vaccine given by a healthcare professional. As of 2025, though, FluMist is 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 ages 6 months and older, but FluMist has age restrictions. It’s a nasal flu vaccine that’s FDA approved for people ages 2 to 49.
This FluMist age restriction is in place for two reasons:
FluMist isn’t as effective in people ages 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 ages 9 to 49 years old should get 1 FluMist dose every flu season.
Younger children, by comparison, may need another dose. Certain kids ages 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.
The number of doses your child needs depends on their vaccine history. Ask a pharmacist or pediatrician if you have questions about how many FluMist doses your child needs.
3. Is FluMist trivalent or quadrivalent?
FluMist is a trivalent vaccine for the 2025-2026 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.
Nasal spray vaccine side effects: From congestion to sore throat, learn about the top FluMist side effects and how to manage them.
Assessing your protection: Hear from pharmacists about how effective flu vaccines are each season.
Flu stories: The flu is more than just a cold. Hear from real people about their experiences overcoming the flu.
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 August 2025):
Walmart
Sam’s Club
Wegmans
If you'd rather administer your own dose, you can ship the vaccine directly to your home. FluMist's online ordering portal for the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season is now live. You can order it for yourself and anyone else in your household after completing a medical questionnaire. It should be available at no cost if you have commercial insurance, but you'll need to pay an $8.99 shipping and processing fee.
5. Who should have the nasal spray administered by a caregiver?
Kids and adolescents ages 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 should receive FluMist's administration instructions with their home shipment upon arrival. Instructions are also available on FluMist's website.
6. Can you still have the nasal spray administered by a healthcare professional?
You may be more comfortable with a pharmacist or pediatrician administering the FluMist vaccine. Not to worry: You still have that choice available. The self-administration route is just a new option for you to consider.
7. Can I receive FluMist and a flu shot?
In most cases, this isn’t necessary. Kids and adults ages 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.
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. 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.
There are a couple ways to access FluMist. A healthcare professional can administer it to you at a pharmacy or health clinic. You can also order the vaccine online and have it shipped directly to your home for self administration.
Why trust our experts?
References
AstraZeneca. (n.d.). Ordering & using FluMist at home.
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. (2025). FluMist.
