You can get a home flu ‘shot’ from next year

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a nasal flu vaccine that can be taken at home. FluMist — a nasal spray vaccine pioneered by AstraZeneca as an in-office treatment two decades ago — will still require a prescription and is expected to be available through a new online pharmacy next year, according to the report. The New York Times.

The treatment will require people to fill out a questionnaire on the upcoming FlueMist Home website. Once approved by the pharmacist, the nasal spray will be shipped directly to the customer’s door. Current out-of-pocket costs are $35 to $45 per dose according to the The NYTbut that may be less depending on what insurance you are offered.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that FluMist has the same effectiveness as the regular shot. It has been available to healthcare providers since it was first approved by the FDA back in 2003. It is suitable for people between the ages of 2 and 49 years of age – although the FDA recommends that the nasal spray be given by a parent/guardian to anyone under 20 years of age. 18. The spray can be an alternative for people who do not like to get vaccinated, or find it difficult or difficult to travel to get flu shots.

“Today’s approval of the first self-administered flu vaccine provides a new way to find a safe and effective seasonal flu vaccine that can be simple, convenient and affordable for individuals and families,” said the director of the FDA’s vaccine center, Dr. Peter Marks. The World Health Organization reports that there are approximately one billion cases of seasonal flu, resulting in 290,000 to 650,000 deaths each year.