The difference between the nasal spray flu vaccine and the flu shot

As you may have heard that this year, children and youth between the age of 5-17 years, living in Ontario can choose to get the nasal spray flu vaccine or the flu shot.

Here's what you need to know about the nasal spray flu vaccine: 

Then nasal spray flu vaccine is called FluMist Quadrivalent. It contains a live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). A live vaccine contains a weakened form of the virus that causes the flu. 

This weakened virus does not cause disease and should not give you the flu if you have a healthy immune system. However, as your body responds to the weakened virus and begins to produce an immune response, you may experience some flu-like symptoms. 

The most common side effects in kids are runny/stuffy nose, reduced appetite, weakness, headache and fever. FluMist Quadrivalent does not contain any preservatives. 

The nasal spray vaccine is a gentle mist that needs to be administered to both nostrils. The administration of the vaccine should be done by your doctor, nurse or a trained pharmacist. 

This is a useful alternative for children who avoid the flu vaccine due to their fear of needles. Unfortunately, adults 18 years and above are not eligible for the nasal spray vaccine, unless they pay for the vaccine. 

The flu shot is an inactivated or recombinant vaccine, which means it does NOT contain any live flu virus. It cannot cause the flu. The side effects with getting a flu shot can include the following: soreness or swelling on the site of injection, fever, headache, cough and hoarseness, fatigue and aches, itching and itchy eyes. 

Custom Care Pharmacy will be providing flu vaccines to patients once again. 

The flu vaccine is the best form of defense against the flu virus. Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough or sore throat, headache and tiredness. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. Since it takes about 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to give you protection, it is best to get the vaccine early.

The flu vaccines will be arriving at Custom Care Pharmacy very soon. 


You can call us at 905-305-0111 to register your name so that we can contact you as soon as we get the vaccines at our pharmacy. As usual, we are available to provide immunization during our normal store hours, we are open from 10am to 8pm Mondays to Fridays and on Saturdays from 9:30am to 5pm.  

Don't forget to moisturize! 

As the weather gets colder, our skin can get dry very quickly. Custom Care Pharmacy now offers an ALL NATURAL moisturizer. The ingredients are 100% from vegetable sources. Our classic custom made moisturizers are still available in strong and regular strength. Come in or call us to pre-order yours. 905-305-0111

Have a safe and happy Hallowe’en!