AstraZeneca Flu Vaccine Approved For Self-Administration

AstraZeneca’s FluMist has been approved by the FDA as the first self-administered vaccine for the prevention of influenza. Through administration directly into the nose, FluMist has been FDA-approved since 2003 for use in adults and children over the age of five; in 2007, the approval was extended to include children down to two years of age.

Administration previously had to be carried out by a healthcare practitioner, but the latest approval clears the vaccine for self administration in adults up to the age of 49 (for children aged 2 to 17 years, the vaccine must be administered by a parent or caregiver).

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu is estimated to have resulted in between 4,900 and 51,000 deaths each year since 2010 (1).

AstraZeneca plans to make the vaccine available online. Purchasers must complete a screening and eligibility assessment when they order. The vaccine will also continue to be available in offices and pharmacies for administration by healthcare professionals.

Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement: “Today’s approval of the first influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration provides a new option for receiving a safe and effective seasonal influenza vaccine potentially with greater convenience, flexibility and accessibility for individuals and families. Getting vaccinated each year is the best way to prevent influenza.”

Vaccination rates have been falling in the US in recent years. According to AstraZeneca, surveys have shown that at-home vaccination options may be able to boost uptake.

During the 2016/2017 flu season, the US CDC recommended not to use FluMist, citing “data showing poor or relatively lower effectiveness” (2). With the industry giant forced to rethink and reformulate the product, a CDC recommendation returned in 2018 (3).

With the perseverance of the industry in increasing access to treatments that protect patients from annual illnesses resulting in the first at-home vaccine delivery method, could we see other vaccines added to the list in the near future? Let me know your thoughts: rob.coker@texerepublishing.com

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