Convenient Home Flu Vaccination Now Available: Your Guide to Staying Healthy

For the first time, people in the U.S. can order a flu vaccine to use at home. AstraZeneca’s FluMist, the only nasal spray flu vaccine approved by the FDA, is now available for delivery in 34 states under the name FluMist Home. Adults under 50 and children as young as 2, with assistance from a parent or caregiver, can use it.

To order, users fill out a brief medical questionnaire that a licensed healthcare provider reviews before prescribing the vaccine. Most commercial insurance plans cover it, though there’s a shipping cost of $8.99.

FluMist has been on the market for over 20 years, receiving its initial FDA approval in 2003. Although the FDA allowed home use in September 2024, it did not make it to the public in time for last year’s flu season.

Experts believe that this self-administration option could significantly improve vaccination rates. Last flu season was particularly harsh, with the CDC estimating about 82 million illnesses and around 130,000 deaths. Yet, less than half of Americans got their annual flu shot, according to CDC reports.

Dr. Peter Hotez, a pediatrician, noted that the public has become more comfortable with home tests and medications since COVID-19. “We learned during Covid how home diagnostic testing became widely accepted,” he said. “Given the low uptake of seasonal flu vaccine in America, exploring new approaches is essential.”

Elizabeth Bodin from AstraZeneca highlighted the importance of making the vaccine easily accessible. “People often face barriers when trying to get vaccinated, like scheduling appointments. The convenience of ordering FluMist online can help overcome those challenges,” she explained.

AstraZeneca conducted a usability study showing that people could successfully administer the vaccine on their own without a healthcare provider present. Results indicated that 100% of users were able to complete the process correctly.

The FluMist Home vaccine is sent in temperature-controlled packaging, ensuring it remains effective during shipping. It includes two doses for nasal administration, along with detailed materials to assist users with any questions.

As the only needle-free option for flu vaccination in the U.S., FluMist uses a weakened form of the influenza virus to boost immunity. In contrast, traditional flu vaccines use killed viruses or proteins. Studies show FluMist’s effectiveness is comparable to other flu vaccines.

Common side effects include a runny nose, congestion, and mild fever in children. According to the FDA, sore throat is also reported among adults. For the 2025-2026 flu season, the FDA has already set guidelines for vaccine composition, and FluMist Home is prepared to target the viruses expected to circulate this winter.

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