FDA Approves the First Flu Vaccine for At Home Use, Providing a Needle Free Option Outside of Traditional Health Care Settings

October 10, 2024

Reading Time : 1 min

On September 20, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first influenza (flu) vaccine for at‑home use.

The vaccine, FluMist, is administered by nasal spray and prevents the flu by using a weakened form of live influenza virus strains A and B to create a lasting immune response. FluMist was initially approved by FDA in 2003 for individuals ages 5 to 49, and in 2007, FDA extended the approval of its use to children ages 2 to 5. Until recently, the vaccine could only be administered by medical providers at a doctor’s office or pharmacy. FDA expects that this new option for receiving a flu vaccine with potentially greater convenience and flexibility will increase access.

Under the new approval, FluMist may be self-administered by adults up to 49 years of age or administered by a caregiver for those between ages 2 through 17. A prescription is still required, however, for at‑home use. Beginning next fall, individuals 18 years and older will be able to order FluMist through a third‑party online pharmacy by visiting FluMist’s website and completing an eligibility assessment. If they are eligible, a pharmacist will approve their order, and the vaccine will be shipped to them.

The vaccine is expected to be available for at‑home use for the 2025‑26 flu season.

Share This Insight

Previous Entries

Eye on FDA

August 11, 2026

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continued its efforts to modernize drug development and regulation with the recent publication of a notice in the Federal Register from the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research’s (CDER) Quantitative Medicine Center of Excellence announcing a request for information (RFI) to inform the development of the Quantitative Medicine Innovation Network (QMIN). The agency is seeking to better understand current quantitative medicine capabilities, challenges, and opportunities and specific feedback on how it might shape the structure, priorities and activities of this proposed collaborative ecosystem to advance the science and application of quantitative medicine in furtherance of public health.

...

Read More

Eye on FDA

July 23, 2026

On July 22, 2026, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced two additional steps in its ongoing effort to phase out petroleum-based color additives from the U.S. food supply. Specifically, the agency issued a final order revoking the authorization for Orange B and proposed revoking the authorization for Citrus Red No. 2, both on the basis that their approved uses have been abandoned by industry. As discussed in our prior posts, FDA announced last year that it would work with industry to eliminate petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, and Congress has since joined the conversation with legislation targeting several commonly used food dyes.

...

Read More

Eye on FDA

June 29, 2026

On June 24, 2026, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a notice of availability in the Federal Register requesting information and public comment on an Expedited Investigational New Drug (IND) pilot program. The proposed pilot program is part of the Trump administration’s focus on taking steps to strengthen America’s leadership in clinical research, accelerate the development of lifesaving treatments and ensure that patients have access to the most innovative therapies in the world.

...

Read More

Eye on FDA

June 10, 2026

On June 2, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance on how drug and device companies may communicate health care economic information (HCEI) with payors (e.g., health insurance companies), formulary committees (e.g., pharmacy and therapeutics committees) and similar entities. The guidance, Drug and Device Manufacturer Communications With Payors, Formulary Committees, and Similar Entities – Questions and Answers, is now open for comment.

...

Read More

© 2026 Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. All rights reserved. Attorney advertising. This document is distributed for informational use only; it does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Akin is the practicing name of Akin Gump LLP, a New York limited liability partnership authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 267321. A list of the partners is available for inspection at Eighth Floor, Ten Bishops Square, London E1 6EG. For more information about Akin Gump LLP, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and other associated entities under which the Akin Gump network operates worldwide, please see our Legal Notices page.