An At-Home Nasal Flu Vaccine Is Coming Next Year

I love being able to go to the pharmacy for my own (or my kids') flu shots. Pop in, get the shot, then go about my day. That process is about to get even easier: The FDA has approved the first flu vaccine that you can administer yourself, or that parents can administer to their children. And best of all: It's a nasal spray, so no needles.

How can you get the at-home flu vaccine?

The nasal spray vaccine, called FluMist, still needs to be prescribed by a medical provider. But since nearly everyone aged two through 49 is eligible, FluMist's maker (AstraZeneca) is setting up a website and partnering through an online pharmacy so you can request the vaccine online and have it shipped to your home.

The FDA announcement explains: "Those who choose this option will complete a screening and eligibility assessment when they order FluMist. The third-party pharmacy determines eligibility based on the completed screening and, if it is determined that the intended vaccine recipient is eligible, the pharmacy writes the prescription and ships the vaccine to the address provided by the individual who placed the order. The vaccine can then be administered to the prescribed household member(s) at their convenience."

When will the at-home flu vaccine be available?

Unfortunately, it isn't an option for this year's flu shots. The New York Times reports that the home version of FluMist is expected to be available from an online pharmacy next fall."

Who can use the at-home flu vaccine?

The at-home vaccine is the same as regular FluMist, which is approved for ages two through 49. That means babies and older adults will still need to visit a provider for the regular, injectable flu vaccine. Children can get flu shots starting at the age of six months.

Can you give yourself the at-home flu vaccine?

If you're an adult, yes: It's approved for self-administration by people aged 18 and up. For children, a caregiver aged 18 or older should be the one to give them their dose.