The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved FluMist for self-administration.
On Friday, the FDA announced it had approved the nasal spray flu vaccine for administration by individuals and caregivers.
FluMist works by administering a live, weakened influenza virus through the nose. It is used to prevent influenza caused by subtypes A and B of the virus.
The vaccine is approved for use in individuals between the ages of 2 and 49.
This is the first vaccine that does not require administration by a healthcare professional, but it still must be prescribed, the FDA wrote.
“Today’s approval of the first influenza vaccine that can be self- or caregiver-administered may provide individuals and families with a new option for a safe and effective seasonal influenza vaccine that is more convenient, flexible and accessible,” said Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Getting vaccinated annually is the best way to prevent influenza, which causes illness in a significant portion of the U.S. population each year and can lead to serious complications, including hospitalization and death. This approval provides additional vaccination options against influenza illness and demonstrates FDA’s commitment to improving public health.”
According to the press release, the most common side effects of FluMist include a fever above 100°F in children ages 2-6, a runny and stuffy nose in people ages 2-49, and a sore throat in adults ages 18-49.
“The approval of self-administration of FLUMIST marks an important step in making a vaccine more accessible to combat the significant annual burden of influenza,” said Iskra Reik, executive vice president, Vaccines and Immunotherapy, AstraZeneca. “For more than 20 years, FLUMIST has been the only nasal spray influenza vaccine authorized in the U.S. and now it is also the only vaccine that makes influenza vaccination conveniently available to individuals, families and communities outside of traditional healthcare settings through self-administration or caregiver administration.”
The vaccine is available at pharmacies nationwide. Click on this link for more information.
