NEED TO KNOW
With flu season on the horizon a needle-free way to take the vaccine is now available
Individuals should first check to see if they’re eligible for the at-home spray, which is available in 34 states
The new product, FluMist, can be shipped directly to consumers’ homes
As flu season approaches, those who are looking to protect themselves with the vaccine have a new option available.
On Friday, Aug. 15, AstraZeneca launched FluMist Home, a nasal spray flu vaccine with at-home delivery service. FluMist — the only nasal spray vaccine in the United States — was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration for self and caregiver-administration in September 2024.
Now, eligible customers will have the opportunity to protect themselves from the comfort of their own homes.
“This launch of FluMist Home is a transformational moment in the evolution of influenza protection, bringing a simple and accessible option directly into the hands of consumers,” Joris Silon, U.S. President and Senior Vice President of AstraZeneca, said in a release.
For those who have a needle phobia or just want to avoid a visit to the local clinic, here’s how to give yourself the flu vaccine at home.
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Pharmacy worker holds nasal spray doses of the flu vaccine (stock image)
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Individuals will first need to check their eligibility.
For the upcoming flu season, FluMist Home will be available in 34 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The vaccine is currently unavailable elsewhere due to local pharmacy laws.
Additionally, FluMist can be self-administered to those aged 18-49 and administered by a parent or caregiver to those aged 2-17.
The vaccine requires a prescription, which people can obtain by filling out a medical screening questionnaire through the FluMist Home online pharmacy. A licensed healthcare provider will review in order to determine eligibility.
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Doctor holding a nasal spray (stock image)
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Once confirmed, the nasal spray is shipped directly to the consumer’s home on the date of their choosing. It will also include administration instructions and storage guidance.
The vaccine is covered by most types of commercial insurance. However, there is a fee of $8.99 for shipping and processing.
Once FluMist has been delivered, the vaccine is easy to administer.
Customers will need to remove the rubber tip protector. Then, with the patient in an upright position, the tip of the sprayer should be placed inside the nostril. Depress the plunger rapidly with a single motion to administer the first dose. Pinch to remove the dose-divider clip on the sprayer and administer the second dose into the other nostril. The sprayer should then be properly disposed of in a sharps or biohazard container.
According to AstraZeneca, patients can breathe normally during administration and it is normal to experience a slight tickle, dripping or sneezing.
The CDC says it takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination, and yearly vaccination is recommended for the best protection.
Read the original article on People