AstraZeneca is revolutionizing flu protection with the introduction of an at-home delivery option for its FluMist nasal spray flu vaccine, as announced on Friday. Since its debut in 2003, FluMist has been available exclusively at pharmacies and doctor's offices. Starting today, eligible customers can conveniently order FluMist online and have it shipped directly to their homes. This innovative approach allows parents to vaccinate their children without the need for shots or a trip to the pharmacy.
“The launch of FluMist Home marks a transformational moment in the evolution of influenza protection, providing an accessible and simple option directly to consumers,” stated Joris Silon, U.S. Country President and Senior Vice President of AstraZeneca. Below, we delve into what you need to know about FluMist and the new at-home delivery option.
FluMist is a live attenuated vaccine delivered in the form of a nasal spray, offering a needle-free alternative for those who qualify. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved FluMist for use in healthcare facilities since 2003. However, in September 2024, the FDA granted approval for self- and caregiver-administration of FluMist, allowing adults over 18 years old to safely and effectively administer it to eligible individuals at home. This makes FluMist the first flu vaccine approved for self or caregiver use at home.
FluMist is FDA-approved for home use with caregiver administration for children aged 2-17 years and self-administration for adults aged 18 to 49 years. However, individuals with specific underlying health conditions, such as those with weakened immune systems, may need to consider different vaccine options. Notably, FluMist is not recommended for pregnant women.
Individuals interested in this at-home option should consult their healthcare provider to determine if FluMist is suitable for themselves or their children, particularly for those with underlying health issues or weakened immune systems in the household. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises caution, as this vaccine may not be appropriate for children with asthma or young children under 5 years old with recent wheezing. Additionally, FluMist is not recommended for children under 2 years due to an increased risk of wheezing and breathing complications post-vaccination, nor for those over 49 years old, as its effectiveness in this age group has not been established.
AstraZeneca also highlights that children aged 2-8 years with an uncertain vaccination history should consult a healthcare provider for further guidance on vaccination.
Accessing the FluMist vaccine still requires a prescription. AstraZeneca has created an online pharmacy platform called FluMist Home, where individuals can fill out a medical screening questionnaire without needing a video visit. The cost of the vaccine may vary based on individual insurance plans, but most are expected to cover the vaccine at no out-of-pocket cost. Consumers should anticipate a nominal shipping and processing fee, estimated to be under $10 for up to four doses of the vaccine.
The CDC continues to advocate for flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older this fall. AstraZeneca aims to enhance vaccination rates this year through the convenient, needle-free option of FluMist. During the 2023-24 flu season, only 55.4% of children aged 6 months to 17 years received at least one dose of the flu vaccine, marking a 2% decline from the previous season. This is the lowest coverage observed for children since the 2011-12 season.
Additionally, flu vaccination rates among adults aged 18 and older have been steadily declining since the 2020-21 flu season, with coverage dropping to approximately 45% during the 2023-24 season. Alarmingly, last year's flu season recorded the highest number of flu-related deaths among children for a non-pandemic year—267 deaths—since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, according to CDC data. Health experts emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective protection against the flu virus.
Dr. Jade A. Cobern, MD, MPH, a board-certified pediatrician and general preventive medicine specialist, and medical fellow of the ABC News Medical Unit, underscores the significance of vaccination in safeguarding public health.
