Where can I get FluMist?

There are a few ways to [find and get FluMist](https://www.flumist.com/ways-to-find-flumist) when it's available for the flu season. You can get it at certain medical offices or pharmacies. A healthcare professional can administer FluMist to you, or they might allow you to take it home. You can also order it [online](https://www.flumist.com/ordering-using-at-home). If you get FluMist that way, you'll need to fill out a health questionnaire first. A healthcare professional will review it to make sure FluMist is safe for you before it gets shipped to your home. If you have trouble finding FluMist, ask your primary care provider or pharmacist.

Is FluMist a live vaccine?

Yes, FluMist is a [live, attenuated vaccine](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/vaccines/how-vaccines-work#types-of-vaccines). This means that it's made using a live but weakened form of the influenza virus. Your immune system makes antibodies from it to protect you from the flu. In healthy people, the weakened virus in FluMist [doesn't cause the flu](https://www.goodrx.com/flumist-quadrivalent/flumist-nasal-spray-flu-vaccine-effectiveness-side-effects-cost). But FluMist might not be safe for people with a [weak immune system](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/autoimmune/do-i-have-a-weak-immune-system). They might still have a risk of [getting sick](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/basics/explaining-how-vaccines-work.html) from it. Tell your healthcare team about your medical conditions and the medications you take. They can check that FluMist is right for you.

How long does FluMist last?

FluMist can provide protection against the flu for up to a year. During that time, be aware that the protection fades over time. The flu virus [changes every year](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/flu-vaccination). That's why FluMist gets updated each year. This helps try to give the best protection possible for every upcoming flu season. Because of this, it's important to get a new flu vaccine every year.

Can FluMist be given during pregnancy?

No, FluMist [is not approved](https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2025/08/influenza-in-pregnancy-prevention-and-treatment) for people who are pregnant. Health experts recommend [getting a regular flu shot](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/flu-vaccination/is-the-flu-shot-safe-in-pregnancy) instead of the nasal spray version. Getting protected from the flu during pregnancy is [important](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/vaccines/getting-vaccinated-during-pregnancy). This is because the flu can be harmful to both you and your baby. Tell the healthcare professional if you're pregnant so they can choose the safest flu vaccine for you.

Flumist

nasal flu vaccine

Used for Flu Vaccination

FluMist 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.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 22, 2026

What is FluMist?

What is FluMist used for?

Prevention of the flu (influenza) in people ages 2 to 49 years old

How FluMist works

FluMist is a vaccine that helps protect you from getting the flu (influenza). In recent years, flu vaccines, including FluMist, have protected against three strains of the influenza virus. This makes it "trivalent."

FluMist is a live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). This means that it's made with a weakened form of the live influenza A and B viruses. The vaccine helps your immune system make antibodies. These antibodies help your body remember the flu virus and fight it if you get infected.

Are you looking for information on the flu shot instead?

When does FluMist start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

Full effect

MONTHS

Drug facts

Common Brands	FluMist
Drug Class	Vaccine
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

FluMist

Drug Class

Vaccine

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

More on FluMist essentials

A mother and daughter at a medical appointment.
SDI Productions/E+ via Getty Images

What’s the Recommended Age for FluMist? Pharmacists Answer 8 Common FluMist FAQs

Written by Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh, PACS

Side effects of FluMist

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Sore throat
Headache
Tiredness or weakness
Muscle aches

Less Common Side Effects

Cough
Chills
Fever (in children)
Irritability (in children)

FluMist serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Allergic reaction: trouble breathing, wheezing, swelling around the lips or eyes, hives, dizziness, fast heartbeat

When do FluMist possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

HHOURS

DDAYS

WWEEKS

MMONTHS

Runny or stuffy nose

Sore throat

Headache

Source: DailyMed

More on FluMist side effects

Teal textured background with warning sign pattern. In the center is a Flumist vial cut into thirds.
GoodRx Health

8 FluMist Side Effects You Should Know About (and How to Manage Them)

Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

The following FluMist side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Wheezing or trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Fatigue
Headache
Irritability
Loss or appetite
Muscle pain
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat

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Avg retail price

$36.19(Save 9.78%)

$32.65

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Pros and cons of FluMist

Pros

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 old

Cons

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 asthma

Pharmacist tips for FluMist

Tell the healthcare professional if you have asthma or other breathing problem before getting FluMist. You might have a higher risk of wheezing after getting FluMist. The healthcare professional can suggest getting a flu shot instead.
If your child is getting FluMist, tell their healthcare professional about any breathing problems like asthma. Also tell them if your child has had wheezing before, especially if they're younger than 5 years old. These children might have a higher chance of wheezing after getting FluMist. The healthcare professional can choose a regular flu shot that's safer for them.
If you have an allergy to eggs, be sure to let the healthcare professional giving you FluMist know. FluMist is made using eggs and might cause an allergic reaction. The healthcare professional can make sure you receive a flu vaccine that's safe for you.
After receiving FluMist, some people might start to feel like they're getting sick. Stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, headache, and tiredness are common side effects. These typically get better after a few days. But call your primary care provider if you end up having a high fever or if these symptoms last longer than 3 days.
Getting vaccinated with FluMist is one of the best ways to help protect yourself from the flu. But it's important to remember that it might not prevent every case. To help lower your risk even more and keep others from getting sick, wash your hands often with soap and water. Be sure to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Also avoid people who are sick and clean surfaces that get touched a lot.

Tips for using FluMist at home:

When you get FluMist delivered to your home or when you get home with the vaccine, be sure to put it in the refrigerator (35ºF to 46ºF) until you're ready to use it. This makes sure the vaccine can work well when you use it. But don't let it freeze.
Follow the instructions on how to administer FluMist at home. If you're older than 18, you can give it to yourself. But caregivers should help administer it to children.
Before administering FluMist: Wash and dry your hands well. Remove the sprayer from the box by taking it by the sprayer body, not the tip or plunger. Check the expiration date. Also check that the liquid is colorless or pale yellow and slightly cloudy. Don't use it if it's expired or discolored.
How to use FluMist: Hold the sprayer body and take off the gray cap from the tip. Leave the divider clip at the plunger end. Don't worry about small air bubbles; this is normal. Keep your head upright while sitting or standing. Then, place the sprayer tip just inside one nostril and press the plunger quickly until it stops at the divider clip. Then, remove the sprayer tip from the nose. When you're ready, remove the divider clip, place the tip into the other nostril, and press the plunger all the way down.
After using FluMist in each nostril: Wipe away any liquid that drips with a tissue. You can breathe normally and you don't need to sniff.
How to discard FluMist: Place the empty sprayer in the return shipping envelope and mail it back as directed. Don't throw used FluMist sprayers in the regular trash; they're considered medical waste.

More on FluMist tips

A caregiver administers FluMist to a child.
Courtesy of AstraZeneca

How to Administer FluMist at Home

Written by Christina Aungst, PharmD

Common questions about Flumist

Yes. You can use FluMist at home if it's approved by a healthcare professional. When it becomes available for the flu season, you can order it online. You'll need to complete a health questionnaire. Then, a healthcare professional reviews the order to make sure it's safe and appropriate for you. If approved, you'll get FluMist shipped to your home. Be sure to put it in the refrigerator (35ºF to 46ºF) until you're ready to use it. Remember, adults 18 years and older can give FluMist to themselves. For children, a caregiver should help give it. Talk with your primary care provider or pharmacist if you're not sure using FluMist at home is right for you.

Both FluMist and the flu shot are types of flu vaccines. They're given once per year to protect you from the flu and they work as well as each other. But they're given in different ways. FluMist comes as a nasal spray. It can be given by a healthcare professional or at home. On the other hand, the flu shot is given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare professional. Also, who can use FluMist is more restricted. FluMist is approved for healthy people 2 through 49 years old. In comparison, most flu shots are for people ages 6 months and older. And, the flu shot is recommended for people with a weak immune system and those who are pregnant. There are even specific flu shots for older adults to help give them stronger protection. Talk to your primary care provider or pharmacist to compare and ask them which flu vaccine is right for you.

There are a few ways to find and get FluMist when it's available for the flu season. You can get it at certain medical offices or pharmacies. A healthcare professional can administer FluMist to you, or they might allow you to take it home. You can also order it online. If you get FluMist that way, you'll need to fill out a health questionnaire first. A healthcare professional will review it to make sure FluMist is safe for you before it gets shipped to your home. If you have trouble finding FluMist, ask your primary care provider or pharmacist.

Yes, FluMist is a live, attenuated vaccine. This means that it's made using a live but weakened form of the influenza virus. Your immune system makes antibodies from it to protect you from the flu. In healthy people, the weakened virus in FluMist doesn't cause the flu. But FluMist might not be safe for people with a weak immune system. They might still have a risk of getting sick from it. Tell your healthcare team about your medical conditions and the medications you take. They can check that FluMist is right for you.

It takes about 2 weeks after you get FluMist sprayed in both nostrils to build protection against the flu. Because of this, it's usually a good idea to get vaccinated against the flu by the end of October each year. This helps make sure you're protected during flu season.

FluMist can provide protection against the flu for up to a year. During that time, be aware that the protection fades over time. The flu virus changes every year. That's why FluMist gets updated each year. This helps try to give the best protection possible for every upcoming flu season. Because of this, it's important to get a new flu vaccine every year.

No, FluMist is not approved for people who are pregnant. Health experts recommend getting a regular flu shot instead of the nasal spray version. Getting protected from the flu during pregnancy is important. This is because the flu can be harmful to both you and your baby. Tell the healthcare professional if you're pregnant so they can choose the safest flu vaccine for you.

The best time to get a flu vaccine, whether with the FluMist nasal spray or a flu shot, is usually in September or October before flu season starts. Flu season usually lasts from October to May. So, getting your vaccine just before flu season can help your body build up strong protection when you need it most. Note that your health conditions and vaccine history can change the best time for you to get FluMist or another flu vaccine. If you're not sure about when to get FluMist or if it's right for you, ask your primary care provider or pharmacist.

Risks and warnings for FluMist

FluMist can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Allergic reactions

Risk factors: History of an allergic reaction to any flu vaccine | Allergy to egg protein

It's possible to have an allergic reaction to FluMist. This can include hives or a rash. In rare cases, a serious allergic reaction called an anaphylaxis can happen. Signs can include swelling of the lips or tongue, closing of the throat, and trouble breathing. Call 911 right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction after receiving FluMist.

Tell the healthcare professional if you've ever had an allergic reaction to any flu vaccine. They can help decide if you should get the vaccine.

Also let the healthcare professional know if you're allergic to egg proteins. FluMist is made using chicken eggs and might have a small amount of egg protein. The healthcare professional can make sure FluMist is safe for you.

Wheezing

Risk factors: Children under 2 years of age | Children under 5 years with a history of wheezing | Asthma

People with asthma might have a higher risk of wheezing after getting FluMist. Children younger than 5 who've had wheezing before might also be at higher risk of wheezing. FluMist hasn't been well studied in people with severe asthma or wheezing. The healthcare professional might recommend a regular flu shot instead for these people.

FluMist is not approved for children younger than 2 years old. In studies, these children had a higher risk of wheezing that needed hospital care after getting FluMist. The healthcare professional can choose a flu vaccine that's safe for your baby.

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Risk factors: History of Guillain-Barré syndrome

Although rare, some people have developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after getting a FluMist. It's not clear if the vaccine caused this. GBS is a rare illness that can cause muscle weakness, tingling, and pain. Most people get better within a few weeks. But some people can have long-lasting nerve problems, sometimes even paralysis.

If you've had GBS before, especially within 6 weeks after getting a vaccine, talk to your healthcare professional before getting a FluMist.

Not recommended for people with a weakened immune system

Risk factors: Conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that weaken the immune system

It's not clear how well FluMist works in people with a weak immune system. It hasn't been well studied in these people. In general, live vaccines like FluMist aren't recommended for people with a weak immune system because it can be risky.

Before getting FluMist, tell the healthcare professional about all your health problems and medications. Some conditions, like HIV or cancer, can weaken your immune system. Some medications can also weaken it. This includes high-dose steroids and transplant medications.

If this applies to you, your care team will recommend a different flu vaccine that's safer for you. They can also talk to you about other ways to help protect yourself from the flu.

FluMist dosage

The average cost for 1 nasal spray of 0.2ml of of FluMist is $32.65 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 9.78% off the average retail price of $36.19.

Nasal spray

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
0.2ml of	1 nasal spray	$32.65	$32.65

Typical dosage for FluMist

Each FluMist sprayer contains a single dose, which is 2 sprays (or 0.2 mL).

The typical dose is 1 spray (or 0.1 mL) into each nostril. This can be given once every year for the flu season.

Note: Children 2 through 8 years old might need two doses, given a month apart. This depends on their flu vaccination history.

How much does FluMist cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Flumist (brand)

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FluMist contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because FluMist will not be safe for you to take.