In a significant development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved AstraZeneca’s FluMist nasal flu vaccine for use at home. This groundbreaking approval allows people, especially those who prefer non-injectable options, to administer the flu vaccine themselves or through a caregiver in the comfort of their own home, although a doctor’s prescription is still required.
Expected to be available through online pharmacies this fall, the initiative aims to make flu prevention more accessible and convenient. AstraZeneca plans to launch a dedicated service on the FluMist Home website, where users can complete a pharmacist-supervised health questionnaire before the vaccine is shipped.
The vaccine, available since 2003 for individuals aged 5 to 49 years and since 2007 for those aged 2 years, involves the intranasal administration of a live attenuated influenza virus. Despite initial reservations, changes to the composition of the vaccine over the years have aligned its effectiveness with that of traditional influenza vaccines, as supported by international studies.
This new FDA approval comes in response to the substantial impact of influenza, which varies significantly each year, with hospitalizations and deaths fluctuating widely, according to CDC data. The at-home flu vaccine is specifically aimed at simplifying the process of getting flu protection, addressing common obstacles such as scheduling and post-vaccination downtime.
Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Division of Vaccine Affairs, said the approval is poised to provide a safer, more effective alternative for preventing seasonal influenza with greater convenience. This is expected to increase vaccination rates by removing logistical obstacles, potentially reducing the incidence of influenza.
The FDA has directed AstraZeneca to ensure that the instructions for home use are clear and that the process is feasible, specifically recommending that caregivers administer the vaccine to children ages 2 to 17. This decision reflects ongoing efforts to improve public health measures through more accessible vaccination options.
