Needle-Free Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Available in the USA

UK-based AstraZeneca announced that FLUMIST® QUADRIVALENT influenza vaccine is now available in the USA for the 2021-2022 flu season.

The needle-free FLUMIST QUADRIVALENT is the only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved nasal-spray influenza vaccine.

In line with the 2021-2022 recommendations from the U.S. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the American Academy of Pediatrics, FLUMIST QUADRIVALENT continues to be an option for flu vaccination for people ages 2 through 49.

The CDC stresses the importance of receiving a yearly flu vaccine, citing vaccination as the most effective protection against seasonal flu infection.

“As the world continues to navigate an unpredictable public health landscape with coinciding influenza and COVID-19 viruses, AstraZeneca remains committed to following the science and putting people and their communities first by helping ensure families have access to a needle-free vaccination option,” stated Mina Makar, SVP, US Respiratory & Immunology at AstraZeneca, in a press statement.

“Improving patient and public health is at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to be doing our part in fighting the flu again this season by working with our partners to provide FLUMIST QUADRIVALENT to those eligible this year.”

Since FLUMIST QUADRIVALENT is the only FDA-approved flu vaccine to use a needle-free nasal spray administrative technique, eligible patients may prefer it.

AstraZeneca’s live attenuated influenza vaccine (either as trivalent or quadrivalent formulations) has been approved by the FDA since 2003 and is covered by most health insurance plans. The most common side effects of FLUMIST QUADRIVALENT are runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and fever over 100°F.

Please note, all available influenza vaccines are manufactured differently, and different preparations have different indications as licensed by the FDA. Those interested in receiving a flu vaccine are encouraged to speak with a healthcare provider, says AstraZeneca.

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, UK, focusing on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines.