The FDA-approved FluMist nasal spray offers convenient needle-free protection for many against multiple flu strains this flu season.
As the temperatures begin to drop leading into winter, we are also entering flu season. During this time, influenza activity picks up and cases rise dramatically. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an estimated 47-82 million flu illnesses between October 2024 and May 2025. These illnesses led to as many as 610,000 to 1.3 million hospitalizations and between 27,000 and 130,000 deaths.
Getting vaccinated can significantly lower the risk of hospitalization and death from influenza. And while many of us are familiar with getting a flu shot, not everyone is aware of the availability of a flu vaccination as an intranasal spray.
What is FluMist?
FluMist is an Influenza vaccine that is administered as a nasal spray. FluMist was first approved in the United States in 2003. Unlike the injectable vaccine, FluMist is a live attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains a live but weakened version of the Influenza virus. When administered through the nose, this virus stimulates our immune system by mimicking true infection. This leads to protective antibodies being made by the body to protect against true infection.
As with the injectable vaccine, its formulation is altered each year depending on which strains of flu are likely to circulate in the season. Because it is a live vaccine, it is not recommended for those with a weakened immune system. These include patients with HIV or those receiving immunosuppressant medications. It is also not recommended to children under the age of two or in children using aspirin for any reason.
Self-Administration of FluMist
If you are afraid of needles, the nasal spray might seem like a no-brainer. Until recently, the FDA still required patients to go to a clinic for administration of the nasal spray. However, in 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changed its regulatory guidance to permit self-administration of FluMist at home, provided patients follow manufacturer instructions on use and disposal. This update can be a game-changer to those who value convenience.
Note: The FDA only approved self-administration of the nasal flu vaccine for those between the ages of 18 and 49. Children between the ages of 2 and 17 can only have the vaccine administered by a caregiver.
Schedule a Primary.Health Vaccine or Testing Clinic
During flu season or at any time of year, Primary.Health empowers public health entities, private organizations, and other large groups with the technology to offer easy, accessible health testing and vaccination services in local venues. Our health team is available to help you design and administer a screening or immunization program for the population you serve.
Disclaimer: This blog content and linked materials are not intended as individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered as such. Any readers with medical concerns should contact a licensed healthcare provider. This blog is provided for informational purposes only.
