A new type of vaccination. You’ll have to stick it up your nose

We have long associated vaccines with a needle and syringe. This process can be painful, especially for children, making it difficult to administer each dose. But perhaps this problem has found its solution. The US Food and Drug Administration has just approved a “self-serve” nasal spray flu vaccine for the first time.

Self-service

However, the lack of a sting is not everything. The new form of flu vaccine will not require the presence of a nurse or doctor when administering this medical device. You will be able to use the product yourself. However, it will not be available immediately. The needle-free spray, which will be available for purchase at an online pharmacy, will first require a screening assessment from the patient.

AstraZeneca, a company known in Poland for its coronavirus vaccine, is responsible for creating this medical device. Interestingly, this is not a completely new product. This solution has been in operation since 2003, but previously it required the presence of a health care professional during vaccination. Now, however, a second person will still be necessary at selected times, although this only applies to people who have not yet reached adulthood. To receive the vaccine you will have to be over eighteen years of age.

According to sciencealert.com, FluMist is based on a weakened form of the live flu virus. According to the World Health Organization, seasonal flu causes approximately one billion infections annually, including up to 650,000 deaths. U.S. vaccination rates have declined since the 2020-21 season, but a recent study indicates that at-home vaccination options may increase uptake. In Poland, there was also a decline for last season. According to data from the National Program for Combating Infectious Diseases Only 5.5% of the population was vaccinated against influenza.