The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Friday it has approved the first flu vaccine that can be self-administered, with this version being a nasal spray as opposed to an injection. The vaccine FluMist,

FluMist is the first vaccine to prevent influenza, more commonly known as the flu, that does not need to be administered by a health care provider.

First Influenza Vaccine That Does Not Need to be Administered by a Health Care Provider

Through a third-party pharmacy, people interested in the self or caregiver option will complete a screening and eligibility assessment when they order the vaccine.

"For those interested in self or caregiver administration, the vaccine manufacturer plans to make the vaccine available through a third-party online pharmacy," the FDA said. "Those who choose this option will complete a screening and eligibility assessment when they order FluMist.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved first self- or caregiver-administered flu vaccine FluMist.FluMist is approved for the prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza

A nasal spray flu vaccine for people up to 49 will be available for home use starting in the fall of 2025 after the Food and Drug Administration expanded its approval of AstraZeneca's FluMist. Why it matters: It will be the first flu vaccine that doesn't need to be administered by a health provider and will be sold direct to consumers for home use via an online pharmacy.