This at-home flu vaccine will be the first of its kind available in the country and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The new product is called FluMist and unlike more conventional flue vaccines this one does not require a needle and can be administered to adults and older children independently.

FluMist is an intranasal administered live attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV for short. It comprises of mild flu viruses that help the immune system to manufactured antibodies to fight flu but with no risk of contracting the disease. The vaccine is researched to be used by anyone from 2 to 49 years, and anyone not pregnant or with some health conditions.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, hailed the approval as a significant step forward in flu prevention: ‘This new way of delivering vaccines may prove more effective in getting people to come forward and take their flu shots because it is more effective than the tradition shot.’

The non-prescription form of FluMist is packaged with similar guidance on its use and is likely to be available over-the-counter and through prescription in drug stores and from healthcare practitioners as soon as flu season begins. He cited that users will have to store the vaccine in a refrigerator before use and administer it following certain procedures.

Health authorities expect that the new at-home service will increase the number of people getting an annual flu vaccine, which has been low in recent seasons. The CDC estimated that only 48% of the US population receives flu vaccination every year even though flu vaccination should be encouraged for almost the entire population to avoid overwhelming the healthcare system and to prevent severe disease.

Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, commented on the potential impact: ‘Anything that will enhance the process of vaccination or make it easier for people to achieve is a good sign’. This could prove particularly helpful to working parents, the elderly, and other constitutionals which either can barely find time to attend clinics for the flu shots.

FluMist can be used at home because it has been clinically tested on its safety and effectiveness when administered by individuals contending the disease on their own. The studies demonstrated that people were capable of performing administration of the nasal spray vaccine self- sufficiency and with less supervision, and achieved antibody levels comparable to when healthcare professionals administered the vaccine.

As this new way brings great convenience for people, some health professionals have pointed out the fact that it is not suitable for everyone. Some people still have to get their flu vaccines from healthcare providers including young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems or certain chronic illnesses.

This approval also comes with the conditions of having clearly written patient information and an acceptable adverse event reporting system. Consumers will be advised to come forward with any adverse effects or issues they may have to their physicians or the manufacturer of the relevant vaccine.

Like any flu vaccine, FluMist can produce minor side effects including nasal steward, headache or low body temperature. Dignified adverse reactions are unusual, and the effect of immunization in avoiding influenza and its intricacies is presumed to vastly outstrip the risks for most people.

The at-home nasal flu vaccine is to be available when health officials are stressing the need to continue to get vaccinated against the flu as well as Covid-19. As there might be a convergence of flu and COVID-19 in the next few months, there are now perceived efforts to push for the higher percentages of vaccination against flu viruses.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, emphasized this point: Thus, staying safe from influenza is even more crucial as a society while mitigating the effects of COVID-19.” This new at-home option provides another weapon in our armoury when it comes to prevention.”

The FDA’s ruling to allow the FluMist to be administered at home is a welcome development in vaccination technology and administration. When the product gets to the consumer market health officials will be observing the rate of uptake and consequent rates of vaccination among the population. This approach, if successful, might place a significant foundation for such kind of evolutions for other diseases in the future also pointing towards the right direction of future nature of the vaccine administrative patterns for preventive health care.