FDA Approves AstraZeneca’s FluMist as First Self-Administered Flu Vaccine

Approval Date:
The FDA approved FluMist for self- or caregiver-administration on September 20, 2024.

Age Range:
FluMist is approved for individuals aged 2 through 49 years to prevent influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B.

Administration Options:
The vaccine can be administered by a healthcare provider, self-administered by adults, or administered by a caregiver to children aged 2 to 17 years.

Prescription Requirement:
A prescription is still required for FluMist, which will be available through a third-party online pharmacy that conducts a screening and eligibility assessment before shipping the vaccine.

Availability:
The self-administration option is expected to be available by the onset of the 2025 flu season.

Efficacy and Safety:
Studies have shown that FluMist is as effective as other flu vaccines and has similar efficacy, immunogenicity, and adverse events when self-administered compared to administration by a healthcare provider.

Public Health Impact:
The approval aims to increase vaccine accessibility and potentially boost vaccination rates, which have declined recently, with only about 47% of adults and children receiving a flu vaccine as of January 6, 2024.