Flu vaccine nasal spray granted authorization for self-administered home application
In the recent flu season, the impact of the virus was particularly severe, with up to 82 million illnesses, 1.3 million hospitalizations, and 130,000 deaths reported [1]. To combat this, the FDA has recommended the composition of the 2025-2026 flu vaccines, and one vaccine making headlines is AstraZeneca's FluMist, now available for home delivery in 34 states.
FluMist Home, the home-delivered version of the nasal spray flu vaccine, is gaining popularity due to its convenience. The vaccine, which can be self-administered by adults aged 18 to 49 and caregiver-administered for children aged 2 to 17, is covered by most commercial insurance with an additional shipping fee of around $8.99 [2][3].
The service includes clear instructions on administration and safety, as well as support materials for those who have questions about self-administration [1][3]. The vaccine vial includes two pre-measured doses, one for each nostril, separated by a clip. The vaccine is shipped in temperature-controlled packaging with a scannable tag to ensure proper temperature during shipping [3].
However, it's important to note that the home delivery of FluMist is not available in all U.S. states due to regulatory restrictions. Currently, it is offered in 34 states but unavailable in some due to local pharmacy laws [3][4]. AstraZeneca aims to expand to all 48 contiguous states in future seasons.
Experts believe that self-administration of FluMist could help improve vaccination rates, which were disappointingly low last season, with less than half of kids and adults in the U.S. receiving their annual flu vaccine [5]. Dr. Peter Hotez, a pediatrician, supports this view, stating that exploring novel approaches like home administration of the flu vaccine could be beneficial due to the low uptake of seasonal flu vaccines in America [6].
The most commonly reported side effects of FluMist are runny nose, congestion, fever for young children, and sore throat in adults [1]. Despite these minor side effects, the vaccine has been shown to be as effective as other flu vaccines [7]. FluMist is the only needle-free option for flu vaccination in the U.S. [8].
In summary, while the home delivery of FluMist increases flu vaccination convenience, it currently does not cover all states due to regulatory restrictions. Consumers are advised to check availability in their state via FluMist's ordering platform. The focus on patient-centered care, including home administration of the flu vaccine, creates pathways for people to take a leading role in their own health care.
Science and health-and-wellness intersect in the home delivery of FluMist, a nasal spray flu vaccine gaining popularity for its convenience. This vaccine, covered by most commercial insurance, includes clear instructions for self-administration and is shown to be as effective as other flu vaccines.
