AstraZeneca has introduced an at-home delivery option for its nasal spray flu vaccine, FluMist. This new service allows eligible customers to order the vaccine online and have it shipped directly to their homes. The announcement was made on Friday.

FluMist has been available since 2003 but was previously only accessible at pharmacies or doctors' offices. With this new delivery option, parents can now vaccinate their children at home without the need for needles or trips to the pharmacy. The nasal spray can be self-administered by adults up to age 49, while caregivers can administer it to children aged 2 to 17.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved FluMist for self- and caregiver-administration in September 2024. This decision followed research indicating that adults over 18 could safely and effectively administer the vaccine to eligible individuals.

AstraZeneca aims to increase vaccination rates this year, especially after last year's flu season, which recorded the highest number of flu-related deaths among children for a non-pandemic year—267 deaths—according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Health experts emphasize that vaccination is the best defense against the flu virus, although getting children vaccinated can often be challenging.

The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine this fall. Most health insurance plans are expected to cover the cost of FluMist, with a shipping fee for four doses estimated to be under $10. AstraZeneca noted that for those who qualify, the nasal spray provides safety and effectiveness comparable to traditional flu shots.