Flu vaccines come in two forms: a shot and a nasal spray (marketed as FluMist). The main difference is that the spray contains weakened live virus and the shot contains killed virus. Both forms are effective, but the spray is not recommended for people of certain ages or with specific conditions.
Age Limits for Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
Nasal spray flu vaccine is recommended only for healthy people ages 2 to 49 years old. Children ages 6 months to 2 years and adults older than 49 should get the flu shot instead of the nasal spray.
Pregnancy and Nursing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says pregnant women should get only the shot and never the nasal spray flu vaccine. Nursing mothers who are not pregnant can receive the flu shot or the nasal spray.
Special Situations in Children Ages 2 and Older
Children under age 5 with a history of recurrent wheezing should receive the flu shot instead of the nasal spray. The same is true for children receiving aspirin.
Overall Health
The nasal spray flu vaccine should only be given to healthy people. The CDC says those with the following conditions should be vaccinated with the flu shot instead of the nasal spray: asthma or other chronic lung disease; chronic heart disease; diabetes, kidney failure or other similar conditions; HIV or other illnesses or medications that weaken the immune system
If in doubt about whether you are healthy enough for the nasal spray vaccine, it is best to opt for the flu shot instead.
Preservatives
Thimerosal-free (mercury-free) and other preservative-free flu shots are available for children ages 2 to 5. The flu vaccine nasal spray does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives.
