FDA Approves First Self-Administered Flu Vaccine for Greater Accessibility
FDA Approval for a Self-Administered Flu Vaccine
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first flu vaccine that can be administered at home, marking a significant advancement in flu prevention. FluMist, a nasal spray produced by AstraZeneca, can now be self-administered by adults or by caregivers for children. However, it won't be available until the next respiratory virus season.
Accessibility and Convenience in Vaccination
- Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, stated this approval adds flexibility and convenience for families.
- FluMist, available since 2003 for individuals aged 2 to 49 with a prescription, has now gained self-administration approval.
- AstraZeneca plans to distribute FluMist through a third-party online pharmacy after assessing eligibility.
The Importance of Vaccination
Vaccination against influenza is crucial, as the flu caused at least 35 million illnesses and 25,000 deaths last season alone, according to the CDC. Despite recommendations for people aged 6 months and older to get vaccinated annually, uptake has recently declined.
Looking Forward to Increased Uptake
While experts like Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, noted the potential for modest impact on vaccination rates, they hope this option will raise awareness and increase vaccine accessibility.
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