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)
If you are using a nasal steroid (Nasonex), is it ok to get a flu shot or should you stop using te nasal spray?
Nasal steroids do not cause significant adrenal suppression and need not be stopped when one receives the flu.