A home flu vaccine? It’ll be available next year

Is the idea of ​​getting vaccinated against the flu more fun knowing you can do it at home?

That will be a real option as soon as next yearfollowing the recent findings of the US Food and Drug Administration approval of the very first ‘self-administered’ flu vaccine.

The vaccine, called FluMist, is a nasal vaccine that has been available since 2003 but is administered in a clinic by a health care provider. It works by activating the immune system with a weakened form of live influenza virus and is approved for people ages 2 to 49.

While it is not expected to be rolled out in time for this year’s flu season, for which conventional vaccines are already available, it marks another step in reducing the risk of severe illness from a virus that causes between 100,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations and 4,900 to 51,000 deaths each year, a estimation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For people who hate needles or can’t travel to get a vaccine, a self-administered nasal vaccine is an important option.

Here’s what you need to know about FluMist, the new do-it-yourself flu vaccine.

How can I get the new flu vaccine at home?

FluMist will be available on the company’s website, according to FluMistowned by AstraZeneca. Once it is available, you will still need a prescription.

According to the FDA, the nasal vaccine is expected to be available through a “third-party online pharmacy,” making it not only a needle-free option, but also one that you can have delivered right to your door.

Who can get vaccinated against the flu at home?

FluMist is only approved for children 2 years of age and older and adults under 50 years of age.

The reason for this may be that the nasal vaccine contains a weakened version of the live virus, which may be less safe for people with weakened immune systems. In addition to age restrictions, the CDC has said that pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and people with other medical conditions may not receive nasal vaccination.

If you are unsure whether FluMist is right for you, you will go through a regular prescription and screening process once it becomes available.

The ‘regular’ injection vaccines administered at the practice, such as those available for the 2024-2025 virus season, remain an option.