HEALTH

FDA approves first flu vaccine that can be self-administered at home

Sep 20, 2024, 2:07 PM

Fewer than two in five people in the US have gotten the flu vaccine this season, according to CDC e...

Fewer than two in five people in the US have gotten the flu vaccine this season, according to CDC estimates. Only about 16% of adults, and 7% of children, have gotten the latest Covid-19 vaccine. (Francine Orr, Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)

(Francine Orr, Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)

(CNN)The US Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the first flu vaccine that does not have to be administered by a health care provider, but it won’t be available in time for this respiratory virus season.

FluMist is a nasal spray manufactured by AstraZeneca that has been used to protect against influenza in the United States since 2003. It’s currently available in pharmacies and other health care settings for people ages 2 to 49 who have a prescription.

Friday’s approval from the FDA adds a second option for those eligible to receive the vaccine: It can be taken at home, through self-administration by adults or to children with the help of a caregiver.

AstraZeneca plans to make the vaccine available for self-administration through a third-party online pharmacy, which will prescribe and ship the vaccine after reviewing a screening and eligibility assessment. It expects this option to be available in time for the start of next year’s respiratory virus season.

“Today’s approval of the first influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration provides a new option for receiving a safe and effective seasonal influenza vaccine potentially with greater convenience, flexibility and accessibility for individuals and families,” Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement.

“Getting vaccinated each year is the best way to prevent influenza, which causes illness in a substantial proportion of the U.S. population every year and may result in serious complications, including hospitalization and death,” he said. “This approval adds another option for vaccination against influenza disease and demonstrates the FDA’s commitment to advancing public health.”

The flu caused at least 35 million illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations and 25,000 deaths in the 2023-24 season, according to estimates from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone ages 6 months and older each season. But uptake has fallen in recent years; last season, only about half of adults and children got their annual flu vaccine.

FluMist is the only needle-free option available for flu vaccination in the US. It uses a live, weakened version of the influenza virus to provide protection, but injectable versions use different technology: either killed viruses or proteins to train the immune system to fight off the virus. AstraZeneca says FluMist has been shown to be as effective as other flu vaccines.

When the FDA announced last year that it was reviewing the possibility of a self-administered flu vaccine, physicians told CNN that they welcomed more accessible options but didn’t expect that self-administration would change vaccination rates significantly.

Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and the former White House Covid-19 response coordinator, said at the time that a self-administered flu vaccine option could be even more accessible if it were available to buy on pharmacy shelves, rather than through a gatekeeper.

But he noted as many as 10% to 15% of people may be needle-phobic and hesitant to get vaccines, so increasing ways to access a needle-free version could boost uptake.

“I think the impact is going to be modest,” he said of the possibility. But he said he hoped it to would lead to increased awareness, potentially through more marketing from AstraZeneca, or more research into additional intranasal vaccines that are easier to get. “I see this as a relatively positive step.”


CNN’s Meg Tirrell contributed to this report.

KSL 5 TV Live

Health

Art displays draw attention to women's heart disease. (KSL TV)...

Karah Brackin

Art display brings attention to women’s heart disease

Acid reflux, the flu, or aging: These can be misconceptions about what is really going on, which is much more severe.

2 days ago

The Department of Public Safety is warning Utahns to not drink and drive this Super Bowl Sunday. (K...

Dan Rascon

Department of Public Safety encourages fans to plan a sober ride for Super Bowl Sunday

The Utah Department of Public Safety sent out a word of warning for Super Bowl Sunday: Do not drink and drive.

3 days ago

The Weber County Animal Shelter said it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs after a canine parvovirus...

SIMONE SEIKALY

Parvovirus outbreak leads to euthanizations at Weber County Animal Services

Weber County Animal Services had to euthanize 18 dogs that tested positive for canine parvovirus.

4 days ago

A woman wearing lime green platform shoes....

Emma Benson

Beauty is pain? Why platform shoes can be a health hazard

While platform shoes are back in style, experts say they pose a risk for injury.

9 days ago

The Ogden Fire Department has created a new position. The homeless medical advocate will address th...

Alex Cabrero

Ogden Fire Department expands services with 1 new homeless medical advocate

Ogden Fire's homeless medical advocate will focus on treating minor medical issues among the homeless population.

10 days ago

FILE - The Egyptian Theatre is pictured on the eve of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival on Wednesday,...

Shelby Lofton

Mental health professionals help movie-goers at Sundance Film Festival

A group of professionals from the Huntsman Mental Health Institute are sitting inside Sundance Film Festival screenings, ready to help patrons unpack some of the heavier storylines.

12 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

FDA approves first flu vaccine that can be self-administered at home