AstraZeneca’s FluMist first and only self-administered flu vaccine

1. FluMist is an efficacious and safely tolerated intranasal influenza vaccine.
2. FluMist has gained approval from the FDA for self-administration by patients aged 18-49.

The Latest

FluMist is the first influenza vaccine that patients will be able to administer to themselves at home. It was first approved in 2003 but could only be administered by healthcare providers in healthcare settings. A phase 4 randomized clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and acceptance of self-administered FluMist compared to healthcare worker administration. Safety and efficacy did not differ when administered by self or a healthcare provider. 64% of participants surveyed reported self-administration as their preferred method. FluMist has now received FDA approval for self-administration in adults ages 18-49, and caregiver administration in children ages 2-17. However, immunocompromised and pregnant patients should not receive FluMist. FluMist is anticipated to launch for the 2024-2025 flu season.

Physician’s Perspective

Influenza is a viral illness of the respiratory system. There are four known types of influenza viruses. Influenzas A and B are the types most commonly associated with seasonal epidemics. Over a billion influenza cases are reported a year with a death toll between 290000-650000. The symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, and generalized body aches. Presently, treatment of influenza is usually conservative with focus on rest, hydration, and management of cough and cold-like symptoms. Those with rather severe symptoms may be treated with pharmacotherapy. The priority with influenza management, however, remains prophylactic vaccinations. One factor in non-adherence to annual vaccinations tends to be convenience as patients are often not able to get to a healthcare provider for vaccinations. With the approval of FluMist for self-administration by the FDA, there is potential for a significant rise in annual vaccination rates which will hopefully reduce the epidemic burden of influenza.

Molecular Targets

FluMist is an intranasal live attenuated vaccine against influenza A and B. It provides protection against the influenza virus by priming the immune system. FluMist introduces weakened viral particles to the respiratory tract, which stimulates the production of specific antibodies that bind to proteins on the surface of viruses and marks them for destruction. The body learns to mount an immune response against the influenza virus and creates memory immune cells that will be able to quickly attack the virus upon subsequent exposure.

Company History

AstraZeneca is a multinational biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and sells products to treat a variety of disorders. Along with developing influenza vaccines, AstraZeneca contributed to the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Further reading: https://europepmc.org/article/pmc/pmc5828152

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