AstraZeneca's FluMist nasal spray flu vaccine is now available for home delivery across 34 US states under the brand name FluMist Home, representing the first self-administered flu vaccine option for American consumers. The FDA-approved nasal spray can be used by adults under 50 and children as young as 2 with parental or caregiver assistance.
Regulatory Milestone and Market Launch
FluMist received initial FDA approval in 2003 and has been on the market for more than two decades. In September 2024, the FDA granted approval for self-administration, though the product wasn't ready for public availability during the previous respiratory virus season. The vaccine is now accessible through an online ordering platform that includes a brief medical screening questionnaire reviewed by licensed healthcare providers before prescribing.
Addressing Critical Vaccination Gaps
The home delivery option launches at a critical time for flu prevention efforts. Last flu season was unusually intense and severe, with preliminary CDC estimates suggesting up to 82 million illnesses, 1.3 million hospitalizations, and 130,000 deaths between October 2024 and May 2025. Despite this severe impact, less than half of children and adults in the US received their annual flu vaccine.
"Given the low uptake of seasonal flu vaccine in America, I think it is worth exploring some novel approaches," said Dr. Peter Hotez, a pediatrician who co-directs the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children's Hospital. Hotez noted that the general public is becoming "increasingly comfortable" with home administration of drugs and biologics, citing the successful adoption of COVID-19 home testing and GLP-1 injections.
Removing Barriers to Vaccination
Elizabeth Bodin, vice president of AstraZeneca's US respiratory and immunology vaccines and immune therapies team, emphasized the importance of addressing practical barriers to vaccination. "There can be many reasons that patients maybe don't get vaccinated, but one of them can be the practical elements of booking appointments, convenience, being able to get in to see the doctor," she explained.
The online ordering system allows patients to order FluMist with "a couple of clicks," have it reviewed by a healthcare provider, and receive home delivery, potentially removing significant barriers to vaccination access.
Clinical Validation and Safety Profile
AstraZeneca's FDA submission included a usability study demonstrating that people can properly administer the vaccine without healthcare provider supervision. The study results showed that 100% of intended users successfully administered a full dose.
The home-delivered vaccine maintains the same vial, vaccine formulation, and effectiveness as the FluMist used by healthcare providers. According to the FDA, the most commonly reported side effects include runny nose and congestion, fever in young children, and sore throat in adults.
Product Features and Distribution
FluMist Home is shipped in temperature-controlled packaging with a scannable tag that allows patients to verify the vaccine maintained appropriate temperature throughout delivery. Each vial contains two pre-measured doses—one for each nostril—separated by a clip, along with supporting materials for users with questions.
The vaccine is covered by most commercial insurance plans, with an $8.99 shipping and handling fee. Bodin identified the primary target population as "busy convenience-seekers or busy families" who may benefit from the ability to vaccinate on their own schedule without waiting in lines or booking appointments.
Unique Technology Platform
FluMist represents the only needle-free flu vaccination option available in the US. The vaccine uses a live, weakened version of the influenza virus to provide protection, distinguishing it from injectable flu vaccines that use killed viruses or proteins to train the immune system. AstraZeneca states that FluMist has demonstrated effectiveness comparable to other flu vaccines.
The FDA issued recommendations for the 2025-2026 flu vaccine composition in March, and according to Bodin, FluMist Home is "ready to target" the virus strains likely to impact Americans most in the upcoming season.
