Homemade Nasal Flu Vaccine Coming Next Year
I love being able to go to the pharmacy and get myself (or my kids) a flu shot. Stop by, get vaccinated and get on with your business. The process is about to get even easier: The FDA has approved the first flu vaccine that you can administer yourself or that parents can give to their children. And best of all: it’s a nasal spray, so no needles.
How to get a flu shot at home?
The nasal spray vaccine, called FluMist, must still be prescribed by a doctor. But because nearly everyone between the ages of two and 49 is eligible for the vaccine, the maker of FluMist (AstraZeneca) is creating a website and partnering with an online pharmacy so you can request the vaccine online and have it delivered to your home.
The FDA statement explained: “Those who choose this option will be screened and assessed for eligibility when ordering FluMist. The Third Party Pharmacy determines eligibility based on completed screening, and if the intended vaccine recipient is determined to be eligible, the Pharmacy will fill a prescription and ship the vaccine to the address provided by the person placing the order. The vaccine can then be administered to the designated family member at a time that is convenient for them.”
When will a flu vaccine be available at home?
Unfortunately, that is not an option for getting a flu shot this year. The New York Times reports that a home version of FluMist is “expected to be available in online pharmacies next fall.”
Who can use the flu vaccine at home?
The homemade vaccine is the same as the regular FluMist vaccine, which is approved for children ages two to 49. This means that infants and older adults will still have to visit a provider to receive the regular injectable flu vaccine. Children can get flu shots starting at six months of age.
Can I get a flu shot at home?
If you’re an adult, yes: it is approved for self-administration by people aged 18 years and older. For children, the dose must be given by a caregiver aged 18 years or older.