FluMist Quadrivalent Side Effects

Generic name: influenza virus vaccine, live

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 22, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about FluMist Quadrivalent.

Applies to influenza virus vaccine, live: nasal spray Side Effects associated with influenza virus vaccine, live. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name FluMist Quadrivalent.

Applies to influenza virus vaccine, live: nasal spray.

Precautions

It is very important that your child return to your doctor's office at the right time for the second dose. Be sure to notify your doctor of any side effects that occur after you receive this vaccine.

This vaccine should not be given to children and teenagers (2 to 17 years of age) who are also using aspirin or any medicine that contains aspirin (e.g., Aggrenox®, Ecotrin®, Excedrin®, Soma® Compound, and many cold medicines). Also, children and teenagers should not be given aspirin for 4 weeks after getting FluMist® or FluMist® Quadrivalent unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Children younger than 2 years of age are usually not given the flu vaccine nasal spray. Young children who need the flu vaccine are usually given the flu vaccine injection (a shot).

This vaccine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or trouble breathing after you receive the vaccine.

The nasal mist vaccine (FluMist® or FluMist® Quadrivalent) contains a live virus. Avoid contact with people who are sick or at increased risk of getting the infection after you or your child receive this vaccine. Talk to your doctor about this if you have concerns.

Influenza virus vaccine will not treat flu symptoms if you already have the virus. Also, this vaccine may not protect all persons given the vaccine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

In 1976, a number of people who received the “swine flu” influenza vaccine developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), which is a disease that may cause paralysis. Most of these people were over 25 years of age. Although only 10 out of every one million people who received the vaccine actually developed GBS, this number was 6 times higher than would normally have been expected. Most of the people who got GBS recovered completely.

It is assumed that the “swine flu” virus included in the 1976 vaccine caused the problem, but this has not been proven. Since that time, the “swine flu” virus has not been used in influenza vaccines, and there has been no recurrence of GBS that was associated with influenza vaccinations.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, influenza virus vaccine, live (the active ingredient contained in FluMist Quadrivalent) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking influenza virus vaccine, live:

Other side effects

Some side effects of influenza virus vaccine, live may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to influenza virus vaccine, live: nasal spray.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects included runny nose/nasal congestion, cough, headache, and tiredness/weakness.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Pericarditis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Facial edema, rash, urticaria^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Abdominal pain (up to 12%)
• Postmarketing reports: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity reactions
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anaphylactic reactions^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (up to 21%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia/muscle aches (up to 17%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Chills^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Tiredness/weakness (up to 26%), fever greater than 100F (up to 16%), decreased activity/lethargy (up to 14%), malaise
• Common (1% to 10%): Fever of greater than 100 to up to 101F, fever of greater than 101F to up to 102F, hospitalizations, otitis media^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Tiredness/weakness (26%), fever (16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hospitalizations, otitis media^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Irritability (up to 21%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Runny nose/nasal congestion (up to 58%), sore throat (up to 28%), cough (up to 14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Sinusitis, wheezing
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Epistaxis^[Ref]

In a clinical trial among children 6 to 23 months of age, wheezing requiring bronchodilator therapy or with significant respiratory symptoms occurred in 5.9% of FluMist recipients compared to 3.8% of active control recipients (Relative Risk 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.1). Wheezing was not increased in children 24 months of age and older.^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• How and where is a flu shot injection given?
• What flu vaccine can I use with an egg allergy?
• How well does the flu vaccine work?
• Where can I get the flu vaccine right now?
• How can I get a flu vaccine without a needle?

Further information

FluMist Quadrivalent side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer