The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a nasal flu immunotherapy that can be given at home. FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine originally developed by AstraZeneca two decades ago for in-office treatment but still requires a prescription, is expected to be sold through new online pharmacies next year. new york times.
The treatment will require people to fill out a questionnaire on the upcoming FlueMist Home website. Once approved by a pharmacist, the nasal spray will be shipped directly to the customer’s door. The current out-of-pocket cost per dose is about $35 to $45, according to the FDA. Nowbut this may go down depending on insurance coverage.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found FluMist has similar efficacy to traditional vaccines. It has been available through health care providers since it was first approved by the FDA in 2003. .
“Today’s approval of the first influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver-administered injections provides a new option for receiving a safe and effective seasonal influenza vaccine that may bring greater benefits to individuals and families,” said Dr. Great convenience, flexibility and accessibility. The World Health Organization reports that there are approximately 1 billion cases of seasonal influenza each year, resulting in 290,000 to 650,000 deaths from respiratory diseases each year.