With the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approving the at-home use of the FluMist nasal spray vaccine, many are wondering if this new option is the best way to protect against the flu.
FluMist will not be available for at-home use until the fall of 2025, but it's important to understand its benefits and limitations now to make informed decisions. FluMist, originally approved for use by healthcare providers, is a live influenza vaccine that contains weakened strains of the flu virus. It covers the three prominent flu strains each season and is designed for children as young as 2 years old up to adults aged 49.
Dr Pedro Piedra, professor of molecular virology, microbiology, and paediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, explains that FluMist offers a needle-free alternative, providing a strong immune response via nasal administration. This method helps prepare the respiratory system to fend off flu viruses more effectively. The nasal spray is particularly appealing to people who are needle-averse, such as children and adults who may prefer avoiding injections.
According to Dr Piedra, the immune response generated by FluMist is robust for both children and adults. However, some people might experience mild side effects, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or a mild cold. These reactions occur because the live virus in FluMist replicates in the nasal passages.
While FluMist is an effective option, it’s not suitable for everyone. People with immunodeficiencies or.