Flu Shot vs Nasal Spray Mist

Dear Melissa, 
I know you advocate the importance of getting the flu shot, but should I give my 2 year old son the Flu mist nasal spray or the traditional flu shot?

 

Flu Shot vs Nasal Spray Mist

Thanks for the question! This is something many parents will have to consider soon. The decision between a flu shot and the nasal spray is something that varies from person to person and should be discussed with your family physician. Personally, my kiddos are terrified of shots (like most kids). Therefore, I make sure to track down the sometimes elusive vaccination nasal spray to make the process much less stressful. Whichever you choose, there are pros and cons to consider.

Considerations according to R. Morgan Griffen 

(WebMD writer reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD)

Pros and Cons of the Flu Shot 

The shot involves an injection into the upper arm with a vaccination containing a dead virus. (1)
PROs: Can be given to a wide range of individuals, beginning at age 6 months and in my experience is easier to obtain than the Nasal Spray Mist.
CONs: Many people don’t like shots. The most common side effect is soreness at the injection site. Much less common reactions include a mild fever and achiness. (1)

Pros and Cons of the Nasal Mist 
This vaccine is sprayed into the nose. It is made from a live virus that has been weakened and can NOT cause the flu.(1)
PROs: Does not involve an injection. In addition, the CDC reports that the FluMist might actually provide better protection than the traditional shots for children ages 2-8.
CONs: Possible side effects include: slightly stronger flu-like symptoms than the shot, such as runny nose, headache, sore throat or cough. In children, side effects can also include wheezing, vomiting, fever, and muscle aches. The mist can only be given to individuals between the ages of 2 and 49 years who are generally healthy and not pregnant.(1) In addition, young children need to be able to breathe in through their nose on command in order to take the dose. In my experience, it is good to “practice” this with young children before entering the doctor’s office.

Other thoughts to consider:
As I noted before, it has been my practical experience that the flu shot is easier to obtain. Many chain pharmacies, as well as local pharmacies, offer flu shots. In addition, many employers provide flu shots. It literally can take less than 5 minutes of your time to save yourself the risk of a week in bed. On the other hand, last year I had to call several different clinics to find one who had the Mist in stock. Then I had to make an appointment and wait in the waiting room in order to obtain the Mist for my daughter and myself. But again, much better to deal with this at my convenience than a week sick in bed for either me or my daughter.

U.S. Center for Disease Control Recommendations:
Children receiving the flu vaccination for the first time will need TWO doses. Children, ages 6 months through 8 years, who need two doses of the vaccine should receive the first dose as soon as possible to allow time to get the second dose before the start of flu season. The two doses should be given at least four weeks apart. (Again, my personal recommendation is to talk to your physician.)
The CDC recommends “All persons aged 6 months and older are recommended for annual vaccination (against the flu) with rare exception." Those exceptions include individuals who:
1) Have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome OR
2) Are allergic to any components of the vaccine (such as egg)(3)

Those in particular who should receive the flu vaccination include the following:
1) Children aged 6 months to 18 years
2) Adults 50 years and older
3) People with chronic illness
4)Women who are pregnant during flu season
5) Health-care workers
6) Caregivers/family members for individuals younger than 5 years or older than 50 years
7) Caregivers for infants younger than 6 months of age (due to the inability for young infants to be vaccinated themselves).(2)

We mamas don’t have time for the flu! We don't want our children to be miserable in bed for a week, nor do we want to spend the following week sick ourselves because our child gave us the flu. So, don't just vaccinate your child, but vaccinate yourself, your spouse, and anyone else you can coerce into getting the vaccination as well. Yes, I can give you all of the scary statistics on how dangerous and even deadly the flu can be, but you can find these in last year’s blog, Flu Shot is a Sure Shot.

Want more information? Check out the resources below:
1. Flu Shot or Nasal Spray? R. Morgan Griffen, WebMD, July 16, 2015
2. Vaccination: Who Should Do It, Who Should Take Precautions, Center for Disease Control and Prevention
3. What you should know for the 2015-2016 Influenza Season, Center for Disease Control and Prevention