Since its initial US approval in 2003, 200 million doses of FluMist have been distributed globally. The new self-administration option will soon allow individuals aged 18 years an

The nasal spray option could encourage more people who have fears of doctors or needles to inoculate themselves against the flu.

FluMist is the only nasal flu vaccine, but it is not new. The FDA approved it in 2003 for people 5 to 49 years old before expanding eligibility in 2007 to children as young as 2 years old — requiring in both instances that it be administered by a vaccine provider.

FluMist, a needle-free nasal spray influenza vaccine, has been approved by the FDA for self-administration in the US, making it the first flu vac