Live, Attenuated influenza influenza vaccine (LAIV)also known as "FLU MIST" contains live but attenuated (weakened) influenza virus. It is used to prevent the influenza ("flu") virus which can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions.   It is sprayed into the nostrils.

LAIV is approved for people from 2 through 49 years of age, who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions such as asthma or one or more episodes of wheezing within the past year. Others who should NOT get LAIV are people who have had a serious allergic reaction to eggs, any long-term health problems, certain muscle or nerve disorders or a weakend immune system.

It takes up to 2 weeks for protection to develop after the vaccination. Protection lasts up to a year.

LAIV does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives.