The nasal spray vaccine is also known as live, attentuated intranasal vaccine or LAIV. The nasal spray vaccine is weakened so it will not cause illness.

However, because it is a live vaccine, the nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for everyone. People in the following groups should only receive the flu vaccine in shot form:

• Pregnant women.
• Any person with a chronic health problem.
• People 50 and older.

This means that the nasal mist can be a very good option for children and younger adults.

Talk with your health care provider or local health department about which flu vaccine is best for you and when you should get it.