[quote=Vee]There The FluMist nasal spray vaccine is a weakened (attenuated) but live virus that can be spread to others. If you read the package insert, you are warned not to come into contact with anyone who may be sick or immuno-compromised for “at least 21 days.” Hospitals have quietly stopped using it for staff because it’s such a disastrous notion on its face. However, you will not be told this when you receive it.[/quote]
Well, it is true, and it was true before, for all the flu nasal mists, that they are made with live but attenuated virus, and there is a small chance of spreading THAT virus around. The hospital workers have a HIGH chance of being around a person with various illnesses or that’s immunocompromised. The chances of spreading are not high, and what is spread is the weakened virus, not the “wild” one. But those hospitals are erring on the side of safety and liability too probably. But if you receive the flumist is probably a good idea that, if you get sick in the following couple weeks, to cover your cough/sneeze and stay away from sick/immuno-compromised people. Sadly, that is rarely, if ever mentioned, I agree. (But it’s kind of common hygiene rule too).
Edit – there was something in the Flumist sheet from CDC that we got when we signed the waiver/consent for our kid
2009 H1N1 LAIV (live attenuated intranasal vaccine)should not be given to the following groups.
• children younger than 2 and adults 50 years and older
• pregnant women,
• anyone with a weakened immune system,
• anyone with a long-term health problem (…)
• anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (…)
• anyone in close contact with a person with a severely
weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected
environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit),
• children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment.
