AstraZeneca will start making at-home deliveries for FluMist, its nasal spray flu vaccine. FluMist, on the market since 2003, was previously only available at pharmacies or doctors’ offices. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology company received approval in the United States last year for self- or caregiver-administration at home. ABC News did a spotlight on the nasal spray vaccine: AstraZeneca is making flu protection more convenient with the launch of an at-home delivery option for FluMist, its nasal spray flu vaccine, the company has announced.@ABC News' Chief Medical Correspondent @drtaranarula tells us more. https://t.co/CNwOvk5Mjm pic.twitter.com/ru8Ptmk72w — ABC News (@ABC) August 15, 2025 ABC News has more: FluMist is a live attenuated vaccine that comes in the form of a nasal spray as a needle-free option for those who qualify. This vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since 2003 for use in a healthcare facility or pharmacy. The FDA approved FluMist for self- and caregiver-administration in September 2024, after research showed adults over 18 could safely and effectively administer it to eligible individuals. It is the first flu vaccine ever approved for self or caregiver-administration at home for those who qualify. FluMist is FDA-approved for home use with caregiver administration for kids 2-17 years old and self-administration at home for adults 18 to 49 years old. “This launch of FluMist Home is a transformational moment in the evolution of influenza protection, bringing a simple and accessible option directly into the hands of consumers,” said Joris Silon, U.S. country president and senior vice president of AstraZeneca, according to ABC News. Doctors are hoping that the first nasal flu vaccine available for use at home can improve vaccination rates among people who are afraid of needles. https://t.co/PpkLrf0nv0 — NBC News Health (@NBCNewsHealth) August 15, 2025 NBC News provided additional details: The vaccine was first approved in 2003 to be given in a doctor’s office. However, after the 2009 swine flu pandemic introduced the new H1N1 strain, several studies found the nasal spray was less effective than other flu vaccines. This prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to recommend against using the nasal spray in 2016. At the time, the CDC said the nasal spray accounted for one-third of all flu vaccines given to children. In response, FluMist’s manufacturers reformulated it to more closely match circulating strains, including H1N1, and the nasal spray returned in 2018. Like injectable flu vaccines, FluMist is updated each season based on recommendations from global health officials. “FluMist’s efficacy is comparable to injectable flu vaccines and is a safe and effective needle-free option for flu protection,” AstraZeneca spokesperson Andrew Leone said. Experts say it’s too early to tell how bad the upcoming flu season will be. Typically, flu vaccines are 40% and 60% effective in preventing severe illness, and FluMist Home should be equally protective. The doses for the 2026-2027 season contain three virus strains: an A/H1N1 strain, an A/H3N2 strain and a B strain from the B/Victoria lineage, according to the drugmaker. The FluMist Home vaccine contains a weakened form of a live virus to stimulate the immune system. Pregnant women or people with compromised immune systems are advised to talk with their doctor before using it.