FluMist, nasal spray and Influenza vaccine
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Starting Friday, Americans can order the nasal spray flu vaccine online and have it shipped directly to their home.
AstraZeneca PLC released its flu vaccine nasal spray for at-home use on Friday, an option that comes at a contentious time for vaccine access in the US.
FluMist is the only nasal vaccine approved in the U.S. It’s administered as two spritzes—one in each nostril—and stimulates antibodies against the influenza virus in the nasal passages and bloodstream to protect against serious disease.
FluMist has been approved since 2003, but, until last year, only for administration by a healthcare practitioner. The new nod allows adults up to 49 years old to use the nasal spray themselves, while parents and caregivers can give it to children aged 2 to 17.
AstraZeneca says FluMist is not yet available in all states due to local pharmacy laws, but the company aims to be able to provide the at-home spray to all the contiguous states in the future. The vaccine will continue to be available in doctors’ offices and pharmacies for administration by health care professionals across the country.
Michigan offers FluMist nasal vaccine delivery, aiming to increase flu vaccinations with the convenience of home administration for individuals aged 2 to 49.