On September 19th, the Food and Drug Administration announced approval of FluMist® vaccine for home administration to stimulate immunity against influenza subtypes A and B in individuals 2 through 49 years of age. FluMist® has been used effectively in children two through five years of age since 2007 and can now be administered by other than a healthcare provider.
Availability of a nasal spray influenza vaccine will facilitate mass administration of farmworkers who come into contact with live poultry. This is considered essential to prevent an unlikely recombinant event between human and avian viruses that might have zoonotic potential.
Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research emphasized that annual vaccination reduces the potential for epidemics. FluMist® produced by AstraZeneca will be available in 2025. The product contains live attenuated (non-pathogenic) influenza A and B virus strains selected to reproduce in the nasal passages at an optimum temperature of 77F compared to higher temperatures in the lower respiratory tract
Preventive vaccination using FluMist® is a practical alternative to arranging vaccination clinics requiring healthcare providers to inject vaccines and hopefully resulting in wider uptake of vaccine. A higher proportion of immunized individuals in rural populations will lower the incidence of seasonal influenza, reduce absenteeism and protect vulnerable members in communities.