WILMINGTON, DE — AstraZeneca has introduced FluMist Home, a first-of-its-kind at-home delivery and self-administration service for its nasal spray flu vaccine, FLUMIST® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal). The new option allows eligible adults to administer the vaccine themselves, or parents and caregivers to give it to children ages 2 to 17, marking a significant shift in how seasonal flu protection can be accessed in the United States.
FLUMIST, originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2003, is the only seasonal flu vaccine cleared for self- or caregiver administration. With this latest approval, individuals can now order the vaccine online, undergo a medical screening reviewed by a licensed provider, and have the product shipped directly to their home in temperature-controlled packaging. Each order includes detailed instructions for use, storage, and disposal.
“For the first time, consumers can receive and administer an influenza vaccine entirely at home—marking a historic shift in how preventive care is delivered,” said Ami Patel, Executive Vice President of Hub Operations at ASPN Pharmacies, which will manage order reviews alongside dispensing partner Polaris Pharmacy Services.
AstraZeneca executives framed the launch as part of a broader movement toward patient-centered care. “The launch of FluMist Home is a transformational moment in the evolution of influenza protection,” said Joris Silon, US Country President and Senior Vice President at AstraZeneca. “This reflects the growing importance of direct-to-consumer offerings and underscores our commitment to continuous innovation.”
The new service arrives after the 2024–2025 flu season was classified by the CDC as the most severe since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, leading to at least 610,000 hospitalizations and 27,000 deaths. Public health experts have raised concerns about declining vaccination rates, particularly among younger populations.
“As influenza vaccination rates decline, especially among younger populations, this at-home, needle-free option offers a critical opportunity to help make protection more accessible, convenient, and better aligned with people’s lives,” said Dr. Ravi Jhaveri, Professor of Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases) at Northwestern University.
FluMist Home will be available for the 2025–2026 flu season in 34 states, covering roughly 80% of the eligible population. AstraZeneca aims to expand the service to all 48 contiguous states in future years. FLUMIST will also remain available in doctors’ offices and pharmacies nationwide for those who prefer in-clinic vaccination.
The move highlights how vaccine delivery is evolving toward convenience and flexibility, offering more ways for Americans to stay protected during flu season.
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