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Intranasal steroids and the Flumist vaccine

Posted: October 27, 2009

(2) Comments

  • photo: PRNewsFoto photo: PRNewsFoto

Q: Can someone who is using an intranasal steroid such as fluticasone still receive the Flumist version of the flu vaccine?

A:  Great question!  Flumist does not list any specifics but I spoke with Glaxo-Smith-Kline, the manufacturer of the intranasal steroid Flonase (fluticasone) and they advised against using the nasal vaccine if you are currently using an intranasal steroid.  The drug information insert that comes with fluticasone also recommends against using intranasal steroids if you have a viral infection present.

Other common intranasal steroids include mometasone (Nasonex), triamcinolone (Nasocort), budesonide (Rhinocort) and beclamethasone (Vancenase, Beconase).  If you are using any of these medications, be sure to talk with your health care provider prior to receiving a nasal spray version of the flu vaccine.

Roger Miller, MD (Ohio State University Student Health Services)

Comments

  • Tuesday, October 27, 2009 2:18:35 AM Posted by: J Well, that is extremely fustrating. It very may well be forever until I get vaccinated now. I hope that at the very least, whoever is in charge of deciding who gets to recieve the limited doses of IM vaccine believes me when I tell them that I can't receive the Flumist for medical reasons, and doesn't refuse me the IM vaccine just because I don't fall into one of the obvious categories of people for whom the Flumist is contraindicated. The whole reason I'm on Flonase to begin with is to keep my nasal passages clear to prevent ear infection, and my worst ear infection ever was caused by the flu. Rock, meet hard place. Two perforated ear drums are at least as painful as they sounds. Oh, well, ranting isn't going to change my situation any but it makes me feel a little better. I hope SHS gets the vaccine soon. Thanks for all the info you've provided about it recently!
  • Wednesday, October 28, 2009 11:47:34 AM Posted by: BuckMD We called the CDC this morning to see if they had any more definitive guidance, but they did not. At this point, the best suggestion we can make is to be off of your nasal steroid for at least a week before getting the nasal vaccine, or opt for the injectable vaccine when it becomes available.

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