The vaccine, in the form of a nasal spray, will be available from autumn 2024, the pharmaceutical group AstraZeneca said.
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The United States authorized, on Friday, September 20, the first flu vaccine to be administered by oneself without the help of a health professional, in the form of a nasal spray. The FluMist vaccine is produced by the pharmaceutical group AstraZeneca. It had already been authorized for several years by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people aged 2 to 49.
Minor children are not supposed to administer it to themselves, but their parents or caregiver can do so. This is a “new option to receive a safe and effective seasonal flu vaccine, potentially more convenient, flexible and accessible for individuals and families”said Peter Marks, an FDA official.
A prescription will still be required to obtain the vaccine, through an online pharmacy, the agency said. This option will be available from fall 2024, AstraZeneca said. The main side effect of the vaccine, which contains a live attenuated virus, can be fever in children ages 2 to 6.