For the first time in U.S. history, Americans can now protect themselves and their families from seasonal influenza — without leaving home. AstraZeneca’s FluMist, the only needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is now available for home delivery and self-administration in 34 states under the new program FluMist Home.
The innovative service allows eligible individuals to order the vaccine online after completing a brief medical screening, which is reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider. Once approved, the vaccine is shipped directly to the user’s doorstep in temperature-controlled packaging — ready for self-administration by adults under 50 and by children aged 2 and above with caregiver assistance.
FluMist, originally approved by the FDA in 2003, uses a live, weakened form of the influenza virus to stimulate the immune response — in contrast to traditional injectable flu vaccines that rely on killed viruses or proteins. In September 2024, the FDA approved FluMist for self-administration, though it wasn’t available in time for the previous flu season.
According to AstraZeneca, the product is identical in formulation and effectiveness to the version administered in clinics. Each vial contains two pre-measured doses, one for each nostril, and includes detailed instructions and a scannable tag to verify it remained within safe temperatures during delivery.
The move comes as public health officials seek to address low vaccination rates in the U.S. Last flu season (October 2024–May 2025), the CDC estimated up to 82 million illnesses, 1.3 million hospitalizations, and 130,000 deaths due to flu — despite fewer than 50% of Americans getting vaccinated.
Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children’s Hospital, welcomed the innovation:
“Given the low uptake of seasonal flu vaccines in America, I think it is worth exploring some novel approaches. We saw during the COVID-19 pandemic how at-home testing and treatments became part of mainstream healthcare.”
AstraZeneca believes the service could particularly benefit busy individuals and families, who often face logistical barriers such as booking appointments or visiting clinics.
“Knowing they can bring FluMist Home into their house and vaccinate on their own time — no lines, no waiting — makes it much more manageable,” said Elizabeth Bodin, vice president of AstraZeneca’s U.S. respiratory and immunology division.
The FDA’s approval was supported by a usability study, which showed that 100% of participants administered the vaccine correctly without the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Insurance coverage for FluMist Home is available under most commercial health plans, with a shipping and handling fee of $8.99.
FluMist remains the only needle-free option for flu protection available in the U.S., and it’s now aligned with the FDA’s 2025–2026 flu vaccine composition recommendations, ensuring it targets the most likely strains for the upcoming season.
Common side effects include runny nose, nasal congestion, fever in young children, and sore throat in adults. While rare, allergic reactions or complications may occur — a reminder that users must pass an online medical screening before receiving the prescription.
This development signals a broader trend toward patient-centered healthcare and self-directed medicine, as Americans become increasingly comfortable administering treatments like GLP-1 weight-loss injections and COVID-19 tests at home.
If FluMist Home proves successful, it could lay the groundwork for future self-administered vaccines — reshaping how immunization campaigns are conducted in the U.S., especially in hard-to-reach populations.
