As family physicians across Ohio prepare for flu season, now is the perfect time to connect with patients and families about the importance of influenza vaccination. With the return to classrooms and fall routines underway, ensuring patients have access to vaccination options that meet their preferences and needs is key.
One such option is FluMist® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal), a needle-free flu vaccine for healthy individuals ages 2 through 49. Administered as a gentle nasal spray, FluMist provides protection against three influenza virus strains (two A strains and one B strain), offering broad seasonal coverage.
While FluMist has been approved and used for many years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved this vaccine for at-home use by eligible patients. If your practice does not carry FluMist directly, patients can visit the FluMist website to determine eligibility and place an order for FluMist Home.
For some patients, particularly children and adolescents, the fear of needles can be a barrier to timely vaccination. FluMist may offer a comfortable and familiar alternative to traditional injections, which could help improve uptake among vaccine-hesitant populations.
Review this infographic for more information on the process.
- The at-home option, called FluMist Home, is available exclusively through an online pharmacy and assigned its own unique National Drug Code (NDC).
- FluMist Home is intended to complement—not replace—traditional in-office and retail pharmacy FluMist administration.
- In-office and retail pharmacy administration of FluMist remains unchanged and fully available for those who prefer or require vaccination in a clinical setting.
- Patients interested in the at-home option can visit the FluMist website to determine eligibility and place an order.
To learn more about FluMist and FluMist Home or explore educational resources for your patients and team, visit www.flumist.com or if you’d like to speak with an AstraZeneca Senior Medical Science Liaison directly, contact Allyssa Werner, PharmD, BCPS.
AstraZeneca is a proud Partner in Health of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians.