Self-administered flu vaccinations are now an option
As the general public becomes more accustomed to home administration of drugs and biologics, a new development has emerged in the fight against the flu. FluMist Home, a nasal spray flu vaccine, is now available for self-administration in the United States.
Manufactured by AstraZeneca, FluMist Home offers a needle-free option for flu vaccination, similar to the FluMist that has been on the market for over two decades, receiving initial FDA approval in 2003. This latest iteration is designed for convenience, catering to busy individuals and families, especially during the back-to-school season.
The vaccine that can be self-administered at home has the same vial, vaccine formulation, and effectiveness as the one used by healthcare providers. The FDA has approved FluMist Home, giving the green light for the nasal spray vaccine to be self-administered in September 2024, although it wasn't ready for the public in time for the previous respiratory virus season.
FluMist Home is now available for delivery in 34 states under this program, with plans for expansion. The online ordering platform for FluMist Home includes a brief medical screening questionnaire to be reviewed by a licensed health-care provider before prescribing the vaccine.
Recommended Steps for Self-Administration
To use FluMist Home, follow these steps:
- Order FluMist Home online, providing basic personal information, medical details, insurance info, and payment method. It is available for ages 2 to 49, but a caregiver should administer it for those aged 2 to 17.
- Receive the vaccine in a temperature-controlled package which includes specific instructions for handling, administration, and disposal.
- Follow the included detailed instructions on how to properly spray the vaccine into each nostril. This usually involves removing the protective cap, inserting the nasal applicator tip just inside one nostril, and pressing the plunger to release the spray while breathing normally.
- Dispose of used materials as directed by the packaging instructions.
Potential Side Effects
While FluMist Home provides an FDA-approved, user-friendly option for self-administration, it is important to be aware of potential side effects. Mild side effects such as runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, or headache are common. However, FluMist should not be used by people with severe allergies to its components, eggs, or other flu vaccines. More serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions.
With the rise of vaccine hesitancy and other challenges, it's key to remove as many barriers as possible to increase flu vaccination rates. FluMist Home, with its convenience and ease of use, could play a significant role in this effort.
According to the FDA, the most commonly reported side effects of FluMist are runny nose, congestion, fever for young children, and sore throat in adults. The vaccine is covered by most commercial insurance, with an $8.99 fee for shipping and handling. FluMist is mailed in temperature-controlled packaging and includes two pre-measured doses for easy administration.
Last flu season was unusually intense and severe, with preliminary estimates suggesting up to 82 million illnesses, 1.3 million hospitalizations, and 130,000 deaths from flu between October 2024 and May 2025. With such alarming numbers, it's crucial to take advantage of every opportunity to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the flu.
The FDA has issued recommendations for the composition of the 2025-2026 flu vaccines, and FluMist Home is prepared to target the virus likely to impact Americans most in the upcoming season. As we move towards a future where home administration of drugs and biologics becomes more common, FluMist Home is a step in the right direction, offering a convenient, accessible, and effective solution for flu prevention.
[1] FluMist Home. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.flumisthome.com/ [2] FluMist Home Instructions for Use. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.flumisthome.com/sites/default/files/2021-06/FluMist_Home_IFU_EN_US_0621_210610_V1.pdf
- The availability of FluMist Home, a needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine, is a significant development in health-and-wellness, offering convenience for busy individuals and families during flu seasons, and playing a role in increasing flu vaccination rates as more people become accustomed to home administration of drugs and biologics.
- While FluMist Home provides an FDA-approved, user-friendly option for self-administration, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects such as runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, or headache, and to follow the included instructions for handling, administration, and disposal carefully to ensure safety and effectiveness.
