No need to go out.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved FluMist nasal spray as the first flu vaccine that can be self-administered at home, potentially eliminating the need to visit a doctor’s office or pharmacy for a flu shot. Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, stated that this new option provides more convenience, flexibility, and accessibility for individuals and families seeking seasonal influenza protection.
FluMist, developed by MedImmune, was initially approved in 2003 for people aged 5 to 49, with the age range extended to children aged 2 to 5 in 2007. It contains a weakened version of the live influenza virus and has traditionally been administered by healthcare providers. The recent FDA approval now allows individuals aged 18 and older to self-administer the vaccine or give it to children in their care, although a prescription is still required.
The FDA noted that FluMist will be available through a third-party online pharmacy, where those interested in self-administration will need to complete a screening and eligibility assessment before ordering the vaccine. The approval was based on a study confirming that recipients and caregivers could safely and effectively follow the provided instructions to use the vaccine at home.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that influenza remains a serious health risk in the U.S., causing millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths each year. Between 2010 and 2023, flu cases led to up to 41 million infections, 710,000 hospitalizations, and 51,000 deaths.
As with any vaccine, side effects are possible with FluMist. The FDA listed potential side effects including fever in young children, runny nose and nasal congestion in individuals aged 2 to 49, and sore throat in adults aged 18 to 49.
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