Starting next year, Americans will have the option to receive a flu vaccine in the comfort of their own homes, thanks to the FDA’s approval of FluMist for self-administration. FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine developed by AstraZeneca, has been used in healthcare settings for two decades but will soon be available for home delivery through an online pharmacy. However, it will still require a prescription.
How It Will Work
The at-home flu vaccine will be accessible through the upcoming FluMist Home website. To receive the nasal spray, patients will need to fill out an online questionnaire. Once approved by a pharmacist, the FluMist nasal spray will be shipped directly to the recipient’s home. According to The New York Times, the current cost per dose ranges from $35 to $45, but this price may decrease depending on insurance coverage.
FluMist has been available through healthcare providers since it was first approved by the FDA in 2003. It is suitable for individuals between the ages of 2 and 49. For children under 18, the FDA recommends that a parent or caregiver administer the nasal spray. The treatment offers a convenient alternative for those who dislike injections or find it difficult to visit a healthcare provider for their annual flu shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that FluMist has efficacy similar to that of traditional flu shots, making it a viable option for seasonal influenza prevention.
Expanding Accessibility and Convenience
Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s vaccine center, hailed the approval of FluMist for self-administration as a milestone in making flu vaccinations more accessible. “Today’s approval of the first influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver administration provides a new option for receiving a safe and effective seasonal influenza vaccine, potentially with greater convenience, flexibility, and accessibility for individuals and families,” Marks said.
The availability of an at-home flu vaccine could offer more people the opportunity to receive immunization, especially those with busy schedules or limited access to healthcare facilities. With seasonal influenza affecting around a billion people globally each year and causing hundreds of thousands of respiratory-related deaths, the new delivery method for FluMist could help increase immunization rates.
The FDA’s approval of FluMist for at-home use marks a new era of convenience for flu vaccinations. With the option to receive a prescription and have the vaccine delivered straight to their door, Americans can look forward to a more flexible approach to seasonal flu prevention starting next year.