FluMist approved for self-administration in the USA

On Friday, the US Food and Drug Administration approved UK pharma major AstraZeneca’s (LSE: AZN) FluMist for self- or caregiver-administration by a parent/caregiver to individuals 2-17 years of age.

The approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was based on a comprehensive submission, which included results from a usability study demonstrating that individuals over 18 years of age could self-administer or administer FluMist to eligible individuals 2-49 years of age.

“Today’s approval of the first influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration provides a new option for receiving a safe and effective seasonal influenza vaccine potentially with greater convenience, flexibility and accessibility for individuals and families,” said Dr Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.