FDA Authorizes Home Delivery of Prescribed Nasal Flu Vaccine

In a significant development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved AstraZeneca’s FluMist nasal flu vaccine for at-home use. This groundbreaking approval allows people, particularly those who prefer non-injectable options, to self-administer the flu vaccine or have a caregiver administer it in the comfort of their own home, though a doctor’s prescription will still be required.

The initiative, which is expected to be available through online pharmacies this fall, aims to make flu prevention more accessible and convenient. AstraZeneca plans to launch a special service on its FluMist Home website, where users can complete a pharmacist-guided health questionnaire before the vaccine is sent out.

The vaccine, which has been available since 2003 for people aged 5 to 49 years and since 2007 for people aged 2 years, involves the intranasal administration of a live, attenuated influenza virus. Despite initial concerns, changes in the composition of the vaccine over the years have brought its effectiveness in line with that of traditional influenza vaccines, as supported by international studies.

This new FDA approval comes in response to the substantial impact of influenza, which varies significantly each year, with hospitalizations and deaths fluctuating widely, according to CDC data. The at-home flu vaccine specifically aims to simplify the process of flu protection by addressing common obstacles such as scheduling and downtime after vaccination.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Division of Vaccine Affairs, said the approval will provide a safer, more effective alternative for preventing seasonal flu with greater convenience. It is expected to increase vaccination rates by removing logistical hurdles, potentially reducing the incidence of influenza.

The FDA has directed AstraZeneca to ensure that its home use instructions are clear and the process is feasible, and has specifically recommended that caregivers administer the vaccine to children ages 2 to 17. This decision reflects ongoing efforts to enhance public health measures by making vaccination options more accessible.