The FDA has granted approval for AstraZeneca’s FluMist to be administered outside of healthcare settings, offering a new level of convenience for those who prefer to avoid needles. Although it can now be used at home, the vaccine will still require a prescription.

On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration announced that FluMist could now be used at home, allowing individuals, parents, and caregivers a more accessible alternative to the traditional flu shot. This approval is expected to make it easier for people, especially those who dislike needles, to protect themselves against the flu. The vaccine is projected to be available through online pharmacies by next fall.

AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of FluMist, plans to launch a website, FluMist Home, where people can complete a questionnaire that will be reviewed by a pharmacist before the vaccine is shipped to their homes. However, the nasal spray will still be available in healthcare offices. The current cost for a dose is between $35 and $45, though prices may vary based on insurance coverage.

“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,” said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s vaccine center.

Before granting approval, the FDA required studies to ensure the vaccine’s instructions were clear and that at-home use was feasible. The results were positive, though the FDA recommends caregivers administer the vaccine to children aged 2 to 17 years.

Influenza exacts a heavy toll each year. According to CDC data cited by the FDA, between 2010 and 2023, flu-related hospitalizations ranged from 100,000 to 700,000 annually, with deaths varying from 4,900 to 51,000.

FluMist, first approved in 2003, is a nasal spray that contains a weakened form of the flu virus and is currently authorized for use in people aged 2 and older. The CDC notes that the nasal spray is generally as effective as the flu shot, though there was an exception in 2009, during a particularly severe flu season. Since then, the formula has been updated, and international studies show it performs similarly to the flu shot.

Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease specialist at Stanford, noted that many patients who intended to get vaccinated faced logistical hurdles such as scheduling appointments or dealing with potential post-vaccine symptoms. He believes that at-home use of FluMist will help remove these barriers and increase vaccination rates.

“Reducing logistical barriers is key,” said Dr. Karan. “An at-home platform will likely lead to higher uptake, especially before flu season really takes off.”

Source: NY Times