Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal Now Available for Flu Season in United States

Doses of the influenza live, intranasal (Flumist Quadrivalent, AstraZeneca) vaccine are now available in the United States in time for the 2021-2022 influenza season. According to an AstraZeneca press release, this is the only FDA-approved nasal spray flu vaccine and is indicated for people between 2 and 49 years of age. The supply is expected to be available by mid-September.

The CDC has emphasized the importance of receiving a yearly flu vaccine, noting vaccination as the most effective protection against seasonal flu infection. They further reinforce that flu vaccination during the 2021-2022 season will help protect the public against preventable illness, as well as help alleviate the burden on the health care system already strained by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the world continues to navigate an unpredictable public health landscape with coinciding flu 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,” said Mina Makar, senior vice president, US Respiratory & Immunology at AstraZeneca, in the press release. “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.”

The most common adverse events from the influenza vaccine live, intranasal vaccine are runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, or fever over 100°F, according to the press release.

REFERENCE

FLUMIST® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal) Vaccine Now Available in the US for Annual Flu Season. AstraZeneca. August 31, 2021. Accessed August 31, 2021. https://www.astrazeneca-us.com/content/az-us/media/press-releases/2021/flumistr-quadrivalent-influenza-vaccine-live-intranasal-vaccine-now-available-in-the-us-for-annual-flu-season.html