The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new at-home flu vaccine. The product called FluMist now becomes the first-ever flu vaccine that can be self-administered at home. Adults can also give the vaccine to their children instead of taking them to a doctor’s office or pharmacy.
“Instead of taking a few hours to go to a pharmacy or to your medical provider, you can just go online, complete a questionnaire [which will be reviewed by a pharmacist], and then have the order shipped to your home,” says Edward Jones-Lopez, MD, who is an infectious disease specialist.
Peter Marks who is an MD, PhD, and director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, also released a statement following the product’s approval. “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,” he said.
According to the people who tested FluMist, the most commonly reported side effects were a runny nose and nasal congestion. Other side effects included sore throats in adults and a low fever in some children under six years old.
The vaccine is very similar to a saline nasal spray and is dispersed into the nostrils. This design was created in part to appeal to those afraid of needles.
FluMist will be available next year before 2025’s flu season.
