The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the at-home self-administration of FluMist (live intranasal influenza vaccine), allowing both individuals and caregivers to administer the vaccine. FluMist® is designed for the active immunization of individuals aged 2 to 49 to prevent influenza. This self-administration approval was supported by a usability study demonstrating that adults aged 18 and older could successfully administer FluMist or give it to younger individuals without needing additional guidance, with 100% of participants administering the full dose.
For those looking to receive FluMist at home, AstraZeneca will offer the vaccine through an online pharmacy. Interested individuals must complete a questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a pharmacist. If deemed eligible, the vaccine will be shipped directly to their home for administration. However, for children aged 2 to 17, FluMist must be administered by a caregiver.
As reported by empr.com, “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 offering greater convenience, flexibility, and accessibility for individuals and families,” stated Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
AstraZeneca also confirmed that FluMist will remain available for administration by healthcare providers in physicians’ offices and pharmacies.