Revolutionizing Flu Vaccination: AstraZeneca announced on Tuesday that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently reviewing an application for self-administration of the nasal spray flu vaccine, FluMist, in the comfort of one’s home. This marks a significant development in making flu prevention more accessible.
FluMist, the sole nasal spray flu vaccine in the market, has been available in the United States since 2003. AstraZeneca has requested FDA approval to allow adults aged 18 to 49 to self-administer the vaccine and even extend this option to children as young as 2 years old. This request is supported by a “usability study” indicating that people can effectively self-administer the vaccine without the need for a healthcare provider’s presence. If granted, this approval would make FluMist the first flu vaccine permitted for self-administration.
The process would involve ordering the vaccine through an online pharmacy system, which would then deliver it to individuals in temperature-controlled packaging, as explained by Dr. Lisa Glasser, AstraZeneca’s Head of US Medical Affairs for Vaccines and Immune Therapies.
The aspiration behind this initiative is to enhance flu vaccination rates. Although the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises all individuals aged six months and older to receive an annual flu vaccine, less than half of Americans comply with this recommendation.
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that people are capable of taking greater responsibility for their healthcare, as they successfully conducted nasal swab tests themselves. AstraZeneca hopes to tap into this self-reliance for flu prevention.
A decision from the FDA regarding self-administration of FluMist is expected in the first quarter of the coming year, with availability slated for the 2024-2025 flu season. Traditional vaccination channels, including healthcare provider offices and pharmacies, will still offer FluMist.
While the potential for increased accessibility is welcomed by physicians, some don’t anticipate a significant shift in vaccination rates. Dr. Aaron Glatt, Chief of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiologist at Mount Sinai South Nassau, believes that careful documentation is essential to ensure patients receive the vaccine correctly.
AstraZeneca has plans to provide a practical documentation method that benefits both patients and healthcare professionals, though specific details are yet to be disclosed.
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The online ordering system will also help ensure the vaccine is utilized by those who meet the criteria. The CDC specifies that FluMist is not indicated for individuals with weakened immune systems and is only suitable for those aged 2 to 49.
FluMist employs a live, weakened version of the influenza virus to offer flu protection, distinguishing it from injectable vaccines that use alternative technologies. AstraZeneca asserts that FluMist is as effective as other flu vaccines.
Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of the Brown School of Public Health and former White House Covid-19 Response Coordinator, anticipates that a self-administered flu vaccine available for purchase at pharmacies could have a more substantial impact. He believes that making needle-free versions more accessible could increase uptake, particularly among individuals who may have a fear of needles.
While the potential impact of self-administration is expected to be modest, it could lead to increased awareness, further research into easier-to-access intranasal vaccines, and potentially more marketing efforts by AstraZeneca. Overall, it’s seen as a positive step in flu prevention.
Our Reader’s Queries
Is the flu shot effective in 2023?
According to a recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, getting a flu shot can significantly reduce the risk of flu-related emergency department and urgent care visits by almost 50% and hospitalizations by over 30% among adults in the United States during the 2022-2023 flu season. This highlights the importance of getting vaccinated to protect oneself and others from the flu.
Why a reformulation of the influenza vaccine is needed every year?
Regrettably, the external structures of flu viruses are in a constant state of flux, necessitating the development of a new vaccine each year to effectively target the specific structures present in the current circulating strains.
What are valid reasons to decline the flu shot?
In 2017/2018, 72 individuals (10%) lacked perception of their own risk, while 15 (5%) felt the same in 2020/2021. Doubts about vaccine efficacy were expressed by 17 (2%) in 2017/2018 and 7 (2%) in 2020/2021. Fear of adverse reactions was a concern for 123 (17%) in 2017/2018 and 42 (13%) in 2020/2021. Self-perceived contra-indications were reported by 40 (6%) in 2017/2018 and 18 (6%) in 2020/2021. These are the findings of Table 4, Reason Category.
What has improved flu vaccines?
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh has discovered a new type of antibodies that can effectively fight against various strains of the flu virus. This breakthrough could pave the way for the development of a more comprehensive flu vaccine that can provide protection against multiple forms of the virus. With this new discovery, scientists are hopeful that they can create a vaccine that can offer broader protection against the flu, ultimately reducing the number of flu-related illnesses and deaths worldwide.