The FDA has approved AstraZeneca's treatment for use outside of healthcare facilities, but it will still require a prescription.
On Friday, the FDA approved the at-home use of FluMist, allowing those who are hesitant about needles to access a potentially lifesaving nasal spray flu vaccine more easily.
This marks the first time parents can administer the vaccine to children, and adults can use it themselves outside of a healthcare facility, although a prescription will still be necessary. FluMist is expected to be available from online pharmacies by next fall.
AstraZeneca, the producer, plans to launch a FluMist Home website where users can complete a questionnaire reviewed by a pharmacist before the treatment is shipped directly to them. The nasal spray will also remain available for in-office use. The current cost for a dose is approximately $35 to $45, depending on insurance coverage.
Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s vaccine center, emphasized that this approval offers a convenient option for families to receive a safe and effective flu vaccine. The FDA required AstraZeneca to demonstrate that the instructions for at-home use were clear and feasible, concluding that they were, but recommending that caregivers administer the spray to children aged 2 to 17.
Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease specialist, noted that logistical barriers often prevent people from getting vaccinated, including the need for appointments and recovery time. He believes that the new at-home option will reduce these barriers and encourage more people to get vaccinated before flu season begins.
Iran has rejected a U.S. demand to halt uranium enrichment ahead of a new round of nuclear talks set for Saturday in Oman. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran must stop all enrichment and import only low-level uranium for civilian use.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance has delivered a stark ultimatum to Moscow and Kyiv, urging them to accept a proposed ceasefire deal or face a withdrawal of American diplomatic efforts.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok departed for Washington on Tuesday to lead high-level trade negotiations with U.S. officials.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
Russia and Türkiye will hold consultations on the Middle East, including Syria and Palestine, on 25th April in Istanbul, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source speaking to TASS.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is nearing a defence deal with the EU to reset post-Brexit ties, even as his government courts a U.S. trade deal. Talks will culminate at a May summit, aiming to boost cooperation in defence, energy, and youth mobility.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected claims that the Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline as part of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
UEFA has opened a new office in Istanbul to support the organization of major tournaments, including the 2026 Europa League final, 2027 Conference League final, and EURO 2032. President Ceferin praised Türkiye’s hosting record and ongoing collaboration.
The heads of intelligence agencies from Central Asian countries held their first-ever meeting in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Bulgaria has seen a sharp rise in diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes, including Lyme disease and West Nile fever, with health authorities warning of an urgent need for stricter pest control measures.
Israeli and British scientists have developed a breakthrough blood test capable of detecting Parkinson’s disease in its earliest stages—before symptoms even begin—potentially revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment.
China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Haishen Medical Technology Co has developed the world’s first emergency medical rescue drone to enhance disaster response capabilities in extreme environments.
The European Commission is preparing to adopt emergency measures to curb the spread of bird flu in Poland’s Masovian and Greater Poland regions, where 73 outbreaks have occurred in two months. These steps aim to protect public health and the poultry industry amid growing concerns.
Kyrgyzstan has joined the TB-Free Central Asia initiative, a regional effort launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and five Central Asian countries to eliminate tuberculosis and drug-resistant TB by 2030.
Russia and Türkiye will hold consultations on the Middle East, including Syria and Palestine, on 25th April in Istanbul, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source speaking to TASS.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is nearing a defence deal with the EU to reset post-Brexit ties, even as his government courts a U.S. trade deal. Talks will culminate at a May summit, aiming to boost cooperation in defence, energy, and youth mobility.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected claims that the Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline as part of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
UEFA has opened a new office in Istanbul to support the organization of major tournaments, including the 2026 Europa League final, 2027 Conference League final, and EURO 2032. President Ceferin praised Türkiye’s hosting record and ongoing collaboration.
The heads of intelligence agencies from Central Asian countries held their first-ever meeting in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
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