The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that it has approved self- or caregiver-administered FluMist, making it the first flu vaccine that doesn’t have to be administered by a healthcare provider.
In a statement, the FDA said that MedImmune, the maker of FluMist, plans to offer the vaccine through a third-party pharmacy. People interested in the self or caregiver option will complete a screening and eligibility assessment when they order the vaccine. If eligibility is established, the pharmacy writes the prescription and ships the vaccine to the person who placed the order.
Then the vaccine is given at the household's convenience. The FDA recommends that a caregiver administer FluMist to those ages 2 to 17 years old.
Convenient and accessible
Peter Marks, MD, PhD, who directs the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said the approval gives people a new option for receiving a safe, effective flu vaccine that is more convenient, flexible, and accessible. “"Getting vaccinated each year is the best way to prevent influenza, which causes illness in a substantial proportion of the U.S. population every year and may result in serious complications, including hospitalization and death," he said.
FluMist is the only needle-free seasonal flu vaccine option in the United States and is given intranasally. In use since 2003, the vaccine contains a weakened form of live virus strains. It is approved for use in people ages 2 through 49 years old. MedImmune is part of AstraZeneca, which filed for FDA approval of self- or caregiver-administration of FluMist in October 2023.