Buzz
I truly value the convenience of visiting the pharmacy for my own or my children’s flu vaccinations. Simply walk in, get vaccinated, and carry on with your day. This process is set to become even more streamlined: The FDA has approved the first self-administered flu vaccine, allowing individuals or parents to give it to their kids. The best part? It’s a needle-free nasal spray.
How can you obtain the at-home flu vaccine?
The nasal spray vaccine, known as FluMist, still requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. However, since nearly everyone aged two to 49 qualifies, FluMist’s manufacturer (AstraZeneca) is launching a website and collaborating with an online pharmacy, enabling you to order the vaccine online and have it delivered directly to your home.
According to the FDA announcement: "Individuals opting for this method will undergo a screening and eligibility assessment when ordering FluMist. A third-party pharmacy evaluates eligibility based on the completed screening. If the intended recipient qualifies, the pharmacy issues the prescription and delivers the vaccine to the provided address. The vaccine can then be administered to the prescribed household member(s) at their preferred time.”
When can the at-home flu vaccine be accessed?
Regrettably, it won’t be available for this year’s flu season. The New York Times reports that the home version of FluMist is “anticipated to launch through an online pharmacy by next fall.”
Who is eligible for the at-home flu vaccine?
The at-home vaccine is identical to the standard FluMist, approved for individuals aged two to 49. Consequently, infants and older adults will still need to visit a healthcare provider for the traditional injectable flu vaccine. Children can begin receiving flu shots as early as six months old.
Is it possible to self-administer the at-home flu vaccine?
Yes, if you’re an adult: Individuals aged 18 and older are authorized to administer it themselves. For children, a caregiver who is at least 18 years old should be responsible for giving them the vaccine.
