September 23, 2024 – The FDA on Friday approved FluMist, a nasal spray flu vaccine that you simply or a caregiver can now administer at home – no doctor required. It is the primary flu vaccine of its kind to supply a needle-free option that's each easy and convenient, and the manufacturer hopes it should improve access and uptake.
FluMist comprises a weakened, harmless version of the flu virus and should be taken yearly. As you almost certainly know, the flu could cause symptoms reminiscent of fever, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, body aches and fatigue. It incessantly makes the rounds in the autumn and winter and affects hundreds of thousands of individuals yearly. FluMist protects against two common flu virus types, A and B, and is suitable for everybody ages 2 to 49. You can still get it from a healthcare provider should you want, but now you may also select a caregiver who is eighteen or older to assist at home.
MedImmune, the AstraZeneca subsidiary that makes FluMist, said studies have shown that individuals ages 18 to 49 can successfully administer the vaccine and it's just as effective as having it administered by a physician or nurse. AstraZeneca Executive Vice President Iskra Reic hopes this approval will make it easier for families and communities to access the flu vaccine on their very own terms – outside of traditional healthcare. Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said this approval opens up more convenient options for individuals who need to protect themselves from the flu.
If you need to use FluMist at home, you continue to need a prescription. But there's excellent news: a web-based pharmacy will soon offer the vaccine. AstraZeneca said that after completing a screening process to verify eligibility, patients will receive their prescription and have FluMist delivered on to their door together with detailed storage and use instructions. FluMist will proceed to be available in doctor's offices and pharmacies.
For children ages 2 to 17, the FDA recommends that the spray be administered by a caregiver. Common unwanted side effects include a runny or stuffy nose, fever in younger children, and sore throat in adults.
