In this video,
I will demonstrate how to administer FluMist,
the live attenuated influenza vaccine
or LAIV.
FluMist is the only U.S.-licensed vaccine
that is administered by the intranasal route.
This route is abbreviated NAS.
LAIV is administered to healthy persons
2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant.
A manufacturer-filled nasal sprayer
is used to administer LAIV.
A dose-divider clip separates the vaccine dose equally.
Vaccine should be administered into each nostril.
Before preparing and administering any vaccine,
always start with proper hand hygiene.
CDC has hand hygiene guidelines and resources
for healthcare personnel available online.
After completing hand hygiene,
begin by removing the vaccine from the storage unit.
Next, verify the vaccine you are preparing
matches the standing order or the provider´s order.
Also check the expiration date.
Unlike some injectable influenza vaccines,
intranasal vaccine can expire during flu season.
Expired vaccine should never be administered.
The patient should be seated, looking forward.
Tell the patient to breathe normally.
They do not have to inhale or sniff the vaccine
while it is being administered.
Next, remove the rubber tip protector.
To help prevent the patient from moving their head,
the provider can place their hand
behind the patient´s head when administering the vaccine.
Place the tip of the sprayer
just inside the patient´s nostril.
In a single motion, rapidly depress the plunger
to create the fine mist necessary
to administer the vaccine.
Remove the sprayer from the patient´s nose.
Pinch and remove the dose-divider clip.
The dose-divider clip prevents you from administering
the entire dose into one nostril.
Administer the remaining vaccine in the other nostril.
If the patient sneezes, coughs,
or expels the dose in any way,
the dose does not have to be readministered.
Discard the used sprayer into a biohazard or sharps container.
Next, document the dose in the medical record,
the Immunization Information System, or IIS, if applicable,
and the patient´s personal vaccination record.
This video is part of a series
designed to demonstrate vaccine administration skills
and best practices.
The video series is available
on the Vaccine Administration Web page
on the CDC Vaccines and Immunizations website
at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.