How to Administer Flu Mist

Flu Mist is an influenza vaccine that's administered in the form of a nasal spray. For children it's more effective than injectable flu vaccines, and it has the added advantage of not requiring a needlestick. Although Flu Mist is ideal for children, it can be administered to people between the ages of 2 and 50 years of age assuming they meet certain criteria based on their medical history.

Instructions

• 1

  Calculate the dose using the enclosed dosing schedule. The dose is determined by a person's age and whether or not they have been vaccinated previously

• 2

  Remove the sprayer containing the vaccine from its packaging. Locate the expiration date, and verify that the vaccine is still good. Discard it if it's past the expiration date.

• 3

  Hold the sprayer in one hand, and remove the rubber tip with the other. The opposite end of the sprayer houses a dose-divider, which should remain in place.

• 4

  Place the tip of the sprayer into the opening of one nostril while holding the patient's head steady with the other.

• 5

  Press down on the plunger quickly to release the vaccine into the nostril. The dose-divider should stop the movement of the plunger once you've given the appropriate dose.

• 6

  Squeeze the dose-divider with your fingers to remove it from the sprayer. Discard it.

• 7

  Place the tip of the sprayer into the opening of the opposite nostril. Press down on the plunger quickly until the remainder of the vaccine enters the nostril.