My two girls got the flu mist vaccine at school on Tuesday, and one of them started feeling poorly later that afternoon. She has a fever (101 without medicine), is achy, has a runny nose, and chills. It sounds exactly like the possible side effects of the flu mist. [@S.H.: yes, I received the fact sheet - that's how I know what the side effects are supposed to be.] It's now about 48 hours after she received the vaccine and she's still sick. I've checked online and there isn't much info out there but it looks like the side effects should be mild and last only a day or two.
Does anyone else out there have experience with side effects from the flu mist (not the shot - this is the nasal spray vaccine)? Did your kids get sick? For how long?
And just in case it comes up, no, I can't call our pediatrician and ask. They don't answer questions over the phone/email... none of the pediatricians in my town do.
Thanks!
Go to Dr Mercola's site. he actually recommends against flu vaccines because more people get sick with it than without!
My son had this same side effect the first year he received the Flu-mist. The second year, no side effect at all. His pediatrician told me the first initial one can cause these effects, and then the next one isn't so bad. That proved to be correct in my case.
If her fever hasn't subsided by day 4, or has elevated, I would call her Pediatrician. A pharmacist, or an ER nurse would be able to help you out as well if you don't get a response from her Ped.( which for the record, is a little odd).
If she is uncomfortable , I would give her Motrin/Tylenol.
Good luck.
Yes, this happened to our daughter the two times she received the flu mist, as well. Lasted about 48-72 hours. We stopped using it after the second time and now she receives the single-dose vaccine (which is free of preservatives).
We had the same experience as Rae - the first year, my daughter had pretty similar to what you're describing, and this year, nothing at all. My other daughter got the flumist for the first time this year, and had no effect at all.
When my eldest had the side effects you are describing, though, her symptoms lasted about a week. However, we got ours later in the year, and allergy season (mountain juniper - cedar fever - I think y'all have it out there, too?) and cold season had already started, so the pediatrician and I both agree that it's likely that she just had a perfect storm of flumist side effects, allergies (which are severe for her, anyway), and a cold virus. I wouldn't expect your daughter's side effects to last quite as long. I hope not, anyway.
My daughter got the mist for the first time this year and there were no side effects at all.
No, our kids have done flu mist for years and never have side effects. They've only complained of a yucky taste in their mouth afterward, but that's it.
My kids get the flu mist.
They have had no problems with it ever.
The "FAQ" sheet on the vaccine, should be online.
Just Google search "flu mist FAQ sheet" or go to www.flu.gov
Before the flu mist is given... a form was supposed to be sent home for the parent to sign and to give permission. ON it, it is a checklist... in order to decide if the mist is right for your child etc.
AND when that form is sent home, an information sheet/FAQ sheet, was supposed to be sent home too.. so that, the parent can read about the 2 different vaccines.
Did you get that?
I did. From my kids school.
My 3.5 year old had the flu mist a couple of weeks ago and had no side effects whatsoever. I do recall seeing an 800 number to call with questions on the fact sheet and can't find it now :( Does yours? If not, is there an urgent care or nearby hospital ER? There typically have a nurse advise line.
Wow, my youngest always gets the mist (she hates shots!), and we have never experienced any side effects for her. I hope your daughter feels better soon! :(
