The regulatory body, FDA, authorizes the launch of the initial at-home self-administered flu vaccine.
FluMist is a nasal spray produced by AstraZeneca that has been utilized in the United States for influenza prevention since 2003. It's presently sold in pharmacies and health care settings for individuals between the ages of 2 and 49, following a prescription.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval on a Friday, providing an additional method for eligible individuals to acquire the vaccine. This new approach allows for self-administration by adults or assistance by a caregiver for children at home.
AstraZeneca plans to deliver the vaccine through a third-party online pharmacy, which will verify eligibility and prescription prior to shipping it. The company anticipates this option to be available during the start of the upcoming respiratory virus season.
"Today's approval of the first influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration offers a fresh option for acquiring a safe and effective seasonal influenza vaccine that may provide greater convenience, adaptability, and accessibility for individuals and families," stated Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
He advocated, "Getting vaccinated every year is the most effective approach to prevent influenza, which leads to illness for a substantial portion of the U.S. population each year and may result in serious complications, including hospitalization and death."
The 2023-24 season reported at least 35 million flu-related illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations, and 25,000 deaths, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates. The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and above annually. However, vaccination rates have decreased recently; last season, only around half of adults and children got their yearly flu vaccination.
FluMist is the sole needle-free option for flu vaccination in the US. It utilizes a weakened, live version of the influenza virus for protection; whereas injectable variants employ either inactivated viruses or proteins to train the immune system against the virus. AstraZeneca claims that FluMist provides the same level of protection as other influenza vaccinations.
When the FDA announced its review of a potential self-administered flu vaccine last year, physicians shared their support for more accessible options, but didn't expect self-administration to significantly impact vaccination rates.
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Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and the previous White House Covid-19 response coordinator, stated that making a self-administered flu vaccine option accessible for over-the-counter purchase could further increase accessibility.
But he pointed out that as many as 10% to 15% of individuals may have a fear of needles, so offering more needle-free alternatives could boost vaccination rates.
"I believe the impact will be modest," he said. However, he hoped it could lead to increased awareness, potentially through additional marketing from AstraZeneca or further research into easier-to-obtain intranasal vaccines. "I view this as a positive step."
CNN's Meg Tirrell contributed to this report.
Maintaining good health is crucial to effectively combat the flu, making annual vaccinations, such as FluMist, an essential part of one's health routine. With the FDA's approval of self-administration, more individuals may find it more convenient and accessible to get their flu vaccine.
