No doctor available? No problem.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the first self-administered nasal spray flu vaccine.
AstraZeneca’s FluMist, approved for administration by health care providers in 2003, will be available to the general American public through online pharmacies starting next fall.
The needle-free spray will be released following screening evaluation.
“Today’s approval of the first influenza vaccine that can be self- or caregiver-administered provides individuals and families with a new option for safe and effective seasonal influenza vaccination that is more convenient, flexible and accessible,” said FDA Chief Administrator Peter Marks.
Anyone over the age of 18 will be allowed to vaccinate themselves or others. The vaccine is approved for use on everyone between the ages of 2 and 49.
FluMist is based on a live, attenuated influenza virus.
According to the World Health Organization, seasonal influenza causes about 1 billion infections and up to 650,000 deaths each year.
Vaccination rates have fallen 3.3% since the 2020-21 season, but recent studies have shown at-home vaccination options could increase rates.
©Agence France-Presse
