AstraZeneca's FluMist nasal spray, which was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) in 2003, is now available through prescription for at-home use, a statement issued by the company said Friday.

Newsweek has reached out to the American Medical Association (AMA) for comment on the vaccine on Saturday.

Why It Matters

While it's not a new vaccine, FluMist Home nasal spray widens the availability to those who may not previously had access.

The at-home option also removes the need for a doctor to administer the vaccine, which public health experts say could increase vaccination uptake by addressing convenience and needle-avoidance barriers.

This comes ahead of the 2025-26 influenza season in hopes to prevent the unusually high caseload seen the previous season.

See Full Page