FDA approves self-administered flu vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration approved the first influenza vaccine that does not need to be administered by a health care provider. The FDA approved FluMist for the prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B in people 2 through 49 years of age. Initially approved in 2003 for administration by health care professionals, an individual or caregiver now can spray FluMist into the nose, offering greater convenience and accessibility for individuals and families. An individual can complete a screening and eligibility assessment through an online pharmacy, and if deemed eligible, the pharmacy will ship the vaccine to the individual’s home. (FDA news release, 9/20/24)