Scared of needles? AstraZeneca launches FluMist Home nasal spray delivery

Are you one of those people whose whole world starts buzzing and spinning as soon as they see a needle? Well, your trypanophobia (phobia of needles) won’t stand in the way of your getting a flu shot to protect your health this fall.How?AstraZeneca now allows Americans to skip the doctor’s office and pharmacy lines for their flu vaccine, with no needle required. No phlebotomy, no lines, and way less “omg-this-is-gonna-hurt.” It’s FDA-approved, easy as sniff-and-spray, and ready to deliver – straight to your door. With the launch of FluMist Home, a program that delivers the flu nasal spray directly to your door, you can now get your flu shot sitting on the couch in your PJs.

FluMist Home: The game-changer for couch-cruisers

What’s new this flu season? It’s AstraZeneca’s game-changer, called FluMist Home: the first-ever at-home nasal spray flu vaccine you can order online. FluMist is a nasal spray influenza vaccine that’s been FDA-approved since 2003 and works just as well as the traditional flu shot in preventing infection and serious illness. Previously, you had to get it from a healthcare provider. But with FluMist Home, that has changed.

Dr. Ravi Jhaveri, pediatric infectious disease specialist, told the NY Post, “This will be the first time someone will be able to give themselves a flu vaccine right in their own home,” adding, “While that may seem intimidating, this is an incredible milestone to make vaccines more accessible.”

How safe is it to use at home

To gain FDA permission, AstraZeneca conducted a study requiring users to self-administer, or give, to a child using provided instructions.

The result: a 100% success rate.Each kit contains:Clear written instructionsInstructional videosAccess to a toll-free pharmacist call centerA pharmacist chat feature for live support

How FluMist works

Visit FluMist.com and complete a medical screening questionnaire. If approved, you’ll choose a delivery date. The vaccine arrives in an insulated package with cooling packs to keep it safe. A licensed provider reviews your info and verifies insurance.

Shipping fee is around $8.99 (insurance usually covers the vaccine itself). Without insurance, GoodRx coupons can reduce costs to around $30. Your nasal spray arrives in chilled packaging.

Keep it refrigerated if you're waiting.How to administer: Sniff one spritz per nostril, as per instructions. It comes with how-to videos, written directions, and pharmacist support just a click or call away. Dispose of the used sprayer using the prepaid envelope. Easy peasy!AstraZeneca even reports a 100% success rate in self-administration studies.The service is available in 34 states, with plans to expand further. If your state isn’t included yet, flu spray is still available at clinics and pharmacies.

Who can use FluMist Home?

Adults aged 18 to 49 can self-administer.Parents or caregivers can give the spray to children aged 2 to 17.“Giving the vaccine at home, to yourself or your children, makes protection more accessible, convenient, and better aligned with people’s busy lives,” said Jhaveri to the NY Post.

He added, “If your little one fears needles, your doctor’s appointments are hard to get, or you juggle work and school schedules, this might be the perfect choice this season.”However, it is not suitable for those over 50, pregnant, immunocompromised, or with certain conditions like asthma, egg allergy, aspirin use, or GBS history. You’re advised to check with your doctor in case of worries.

Why flu shots still matter

The 2024-2025 flu season was one of the worst in 15 years, with over 47 million cases, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 27,000 deaths, including 216 children.

Vaccination rates are slipping: among children under 18, fewer than half were vaccinated, down from 62.4% pre-pandemic.Jhaveri emphasized, “I strongly encourage flu vaccination, whether you’ve done it before or not, it remains one of the most effective ways to prevent flu,” adding, “Children face serious risks, like pneumonia or hospitalization, and 150-200 children die each season, many of whom were otherwise healthy.” He concluded, “I recommend getting vaccinated by the end of October, before flu season ramps up. It’s vital to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

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