FDA Announces First-Ever At-Home Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine for Easy Self-Use

The FDA has approved FluMist, a nasal spray flu vaccine that consumers can order straight to their homes and administer themselves.Photo byConsumerAffairs

Parents, rejoice! The days of the dreaded vaccine trip to the local pharmacy or doctor's office with kiddos in tow may soon be over. The FDA has given the green light to the first-ever at-home flu vaccine. AstraZeneca's FluMist nasal spray, which has been in use in the U.S. since 2003 for those aged two to 49, can now be self-administered at home. This brings a new level of convenience and relief to parents and caregivers.

The nasal spray provides protection against the flu virus using a live, weakened version. The company states that it is just as effective as the traditional injection. Adults and caregivers will be able to administer the vaccine conveniently from the comfort of their homes to themselves and their children. Specifically by adults up to 49 years of age or administered by a parent/caregiver to individuals 2-17 years of age. AstraZeneca plans to offer the nasal spray vaccine through a third-party online pharmacy. The process of self-administration will be simple and safe, with clear instructions provided.

FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine, has been approved for health care workers to give to kids for years.Photo byJeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Image

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu caused at least 35 million illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations, and 25,000 deaths in the United States last year. Despite its recommendations, the CDC has noticed a decline, with only half of the U.S. population vaccinated the previous flu season. With the approval of the at-home flu vaccine, there is hope that more individuals will seek out getting vaccinated, potentially increasing the vaccination rates and reducing the impact of the flu.