Questions & Answers: H1N1 Nasal Spray Vaccine

What is the nasal spray flu vaccine?

The nasal spray flu vaccine is a vaccine made with live, weakened H1N1 virus

Can health care workers get the live H1N1 vaccine?

Yes. it is a very good option for most health care providers who are healthy, younger than 50 years old, and not pregnant. Health care providers who care for patients in bone marrow transplant units should not get Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine.

Which healthcare workers should not be vaccinated with the H1N1 nasal-spray flu vaccine?

• Pregnant women;
  
• People 50 years of age and older;
  
• People with a medical condition that places them at higher risk for complications from influenza, including those with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma or reactive airways disease; people with medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure; or people with illnesses that weaken the immune system, or who take medications that can weaken the immune system;
  
• People who have had Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare disorder of the nervous system, within 6 weeks of getting a flu vaccine,
  
• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or who are allergic to any of the nasal spray vaccine components.

Can breastfeeding mothers get the H1N1 nasal vaccine?

Yes.

What are the side effects?

In adults, side effects can include runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. Fever is not a common side effect in adults receiving the nasal spray flu vaccine.

How many doses of nasal spray vaccine are needed?

Ten years and older only one dose is needed. Nine years and younger will be required to have two doses separated by three weeks.

Does the nasal spray flu vaccine contain thimerosal?

No. It does not contain thimerosal or any other preservative.

Can the nasal spray flu vaccine give you the flu?

The viruses are weakened and cannot cause flu illness. Some adults 18 years to 49 years of age have reported runny nose or nasal congestion, cough, chills, tiredness/weakness, sore throat and headache. These side effects are mild and short-lasting.

For additional Information, visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/nasalspray_qa.htm