Flumist Information

Anytime you get the nasalmist form you are given a live virus. You will need to stay away from anyone who is immune compromised or you can give them the virus for up to 2 weeks. I personally am appalled that this nurse did not tell you this info!!! Your 2 year old is now at risk if he has not been vaccinated also. I am not of a medical background, however; I am a very educated pregnant mother. I personally am against flu vaccines in pregnant women & refuse to vaccinate myself & also am against flu vaccines in young children who's brains are still developing, I also refuse to vaccinate my 2 year old son. This all being said, what's done is done. I don't think the person getting the mist is at risk of catching the virus. You will need to talk to your doctor. Good luck & I am so sorry that this nurse did not give you all the facts before she gave you this vaccination.

I am sure by now you have talked to your doctor and she was able to give you some helpful information so you don't freak out worse than you already have been. I don't think it is a good idea for anyone to REimphasize the reasons for not getting the mist version, it will only make you feel worse because you did mention that you already did. I would also file an official complaint in writing. Find out the company administering the shots and then ask your doctor which company would monitor them and file a complaint with them. Describe the woman, time and date in detail if you don't remember her name. There is probably a short time you are at an increased risk for getting the flu so I am guessing you will just need to be extra careful for a few days (carry hand sanitizer everywhere). I don't think it is any long term effect but your doctor will confirm. You poor thing, that must be so frustrating and awful. You and your baby will be fine. Even if you did get the flu, it is just the flu. It is uncomfortable but I don't think it will increase your chances for getting swine flu, the real risk out there.

The FluMist is NOT to be given to pregnant women because it contains a live flu virus. Pregnant women (and those that are immunocompromised for that matter) should get the shot (it has a "killed" virus in it). In the southeast US there is a shortage of regular flu vaccine, however you might be able to find a pharmacy that does flu shots and have them order Afluria for you (being a pharmacist for Walgreens I'm fairly sure that your nearest Walgreens or any pharmacy that gives flu shots can get it for you). The Afluria brand is the flu shot but it does not contain the preservative Thimeresol in it (it comes in prefilled syringes so there's no need for the preservative). Hope this helps.

FluMist is a live virus, so your chances of contracting it are higher than with the deactivated version. However it is a Class C for pregnant women, recommended only if the benefits outweigh the risks. I would think that if they gave it to you in your condition that it would be relatively safe. GL!

Do not take the flu mist! It is a class C drug and should not be taken during pregnancy! Talk to your doctor about other options.

I would contact the Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/about/qa/nasalspray.htm
to tell them of the error. They may be able to tell you what to expect as far as additional side effects/complications from receiving the flu mist.

Best of luck,
L.