FDA approves first flu vaccine that can be self-administered at home
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a major announcement on Friday, September 20, 2024, approving the first flu vaccine that can be self-administered at home. This groundbreaking decision brings a new level of convenience for millions of Americans, especially those who may struggle to find time to visit healthcare providers during flu season. The vaccine is expected to be available next year, but it won’t be ready in time for this year’s flu season.
The flu vaccine in question is FluMist, a nasal spray that has been manufactured by AstraZeneca since 2003. It has been widely used across the United States, offering an alternative to traditional injectable flu vaccines. Previously, FluMist had to be administered by a healthcare provider. However, with this new FDA approval, individuals will now be able to self-administer the vaccine in the comfort of their own homes.
AstraZeneca plans to distribute the vaccine through an online pharmacy. After completing a screening and eligibility assessment, the pharmacy will prescribe and ship FluMist directly to customers. This new self-administration method is expected to roll out in time for the 2025 flu season.
Dr. Peter Marks, Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, highlighted the significance of this approval. “Today’s approval of the first influenza vaccine for self-administration provides greater convenience and flexibility for individuals and families,” said Dr. Marks. “Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to prevent influenza, which affects millions in the U.S. annually.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu caused around 35 million illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations, and 25,000 deaths in the 2023-24 flu season. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the flu and its complications, yet uptake has been declining in recent years. Last season, only about half of Americans received their annual flu vaccine, despite CDC recommendations that everyone over six months old get vaccinated.
FluMist is the only flu vaccine available in the U.S. that doesn’t require a needle, making it a more appealing option for those who are needle-phobic. The nasal spray uses a weakened version of the live influenza virus to build immunity, while injectable vaccines use killed viruses or proteins to achieve the same effect. Studies have shown that FluMist is as effective as other flu vaccines.
Even though FluMist has been available for two decades, the ability to administer it at home could potentially make flu vaccination more accessible. However, some experts believe that while this move is a positive development, it may not drastically change vaccination rates. Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 response coordinator, previously commented that although the option of self-administration is beneficial, it might only make a modest impact on overall flu vaccine uptake. He noted that increased marketing from AstraZeneca and more research into nasal spray vaccines could help raise awareness and potentially improve vaccination rates in the future.
This new approval comes at a time when public health experts are concerned about the combined impact of flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), particularly as people return to school and normal activities. The ability to self-administer vaccines at home could reduce some of the burden on healthcare systems during flu season.
AstraZeneca is optimistic about the potential benefits of this new distribution method. By making the vaccine available through an online pharmacy, the company hopes to reach more individuals who might otherwise skip their flu shots. While this is a significant step forward in vaccine accessibility, much will depend on how the public responds to this option and whether it leads to a higher number of vaccinated individuals in the coming years.
Though the FDA’s approval was a key milestone, the rollout of the self-administered FluMist won’t begin until the 2025 flu season. Until then, the nasal spray will remain available through healthcare providers, with the option for self-administration expected to add a new layer of convenience starting next year.
For now, the best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated, whether by needle or nasal spray. This new approval marks the beginning of a shift toward more accessible vaccine options, and experts hope that in the coming years, it will lead to a higher rate of flu vaccination across the country.
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