Tired of going to the doctor for your flu shot every year?
Well, we might find a solution soon. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it has approved a flu vaccine that does not require administration in a doctor’s office or through a needle.
According to a statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Dr. Christina A. Bryant, a member of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases (COID) and lead author of the AAP Influenza Policy Statement and Technical Report, last week said: stated. “Improving access to vaccines is one strategy to increase immunization rates. We anticipate that parents and pediatricians will have many questions about self-administration of intranasal influenza vaccines. Masu.”
Introducing the information you need about home influenza vaccines.
What is the new home flu vaccine called?
The FDA says it’s called FluMist and can be used on yourself or administered to your home caregiver. FluMist is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
“FluMist is approved for the prevention of influenza illness caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B in individuals ages 2 to 49,” the FDA said in a release Friday. The vaccine is sprayed into the nose, according to the FDA.
“The approval of the first self-administered or caregiver-administered influenza vaccine represents a new option for receiving a safe and effective seasonal influenza vaccine,” Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a written statement. ”. It provides greater convenience, flexibility, and accessibility for individuals and families. ”
The FDA says the flu vaccine will soon be able to be administered at home in the form of a nasal spray. FluMist is expected to be available for home use by next fall.
When will home vaccines be available?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Flumist is currently available in clinics, but will not be available for home use until the fall of 2025.
Are there any side effects to home vaccines?
“The most commonly reported side effects of Flumist are fever greater than 100°F in children ages 2 to 6 years, runny and stuffy nose, and sore throat in children ages 2 to 49 years,” the FDA said in a release. ”. Adults between the ages of 18 and 49 are eligible. ”
The CDC emphasized that everyone 6 months of age and older should receive a flu vaccine.
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This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Home flu vaccines are coming. Here’s what you need to know about it.
