Instead of going to the pharmacy for the annual flu vaccine, many in the US can now receive it at home. AstraZeneca’s FluMist is now offered via an online pharmacy in 34 states. Originally FDA-approved in 2003 and previously limited to healthcare administration, the FDA allowed self-administration in September. This marks AstraZeneca’s first direct-to-consumer venture, joining a trend led by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly with their GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and weight loss.
“We recognized that people’s daily lives are busier than ever, and we knew we needed to meet people where they are facing the realities of real life,” said Tonya Villafana, AstraZeneca’s VP of medical and scientific affairs. “FluMist Home is designed to remove traditional obstacles to vaccination, things like scheduling clinic visits, waiting in line, and the fear of needles.”
AstraZeneca hopes the at-home option will improve flu vaccination rates. The CDC reports only about 47% of adults and 49.2% of children received a flu vaccine, a decrease from previous seasons. “Getting vaccinated each year is the best way to prevent influenza, which causes illness in a substantial proportion of the US population every year and may result in serious complications, including hospitalization and death,” said Peter Marks, former director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
The CDC labeled the 2024-2025 flu season as high severity, resulting in at least 610,000 hospitalizations and 27,000 deaths, the worst since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. AstraZeneca’s approval in September 2024 followed a study ensuring safe, effective use by recipients and caregivers.
FluMist contains a weakened live influenza virus, protecting against four flu strains, and is approved for ages 2-49. For those under 18, a caregiver must administer it. Customers complete a medical questionnaire for eligibility. A health care provider reviews submissions. Once approved and insurance verified, the vaccine is prescribed and shipped to the purchaser’s home. FluMist is covered by most insurance, with an $8.99 delivery fee.
Due to local laws, FluMist isn’t available in all states yet, but AstraZeneca aims to cover all contiguous states. It remains available in doctors’ offices and pharmacies nationwide.