The FDA recently approved the at-home administration of FluMist, an intranasal influenza vaccine, for individuals aged 2 to 49 years. This new option is intended to be available for the next flu season (2025-2026) – allowing either self-administration or caregiver administration.
The FDA’s approval for at-home use is subject to several conditions, including meeting stringent storage and administration requirements. For example, patients or caregivers must follow detailed instructions for proper handling to ensure safety and efficacy, which may present challenges for many individuals due to the regulatory complexities involved.
Still, caregiver administration could be a practical alternative, especially for patients who find it challenging to access healthcare facilities, making this a potentially reasonable way for those who need flexibility in getting vaccinated.
To access the at-home vaccine, individuals would need to discuss eligibility with their healthcare provider, who will decide whether they meet the criteria and can properly store and administer the vaccine.
See FDA Approves Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccine for Self- or Caregiver-Administration | FDA for more info.
