FluMist vaccine now one of many approved at-home healthcare options

SALT LAKE CITY — At-home healthcare is seeing a boom across the country. Most recently, the FDA approved the nasal flu vaccine for at-home administration.

Although it won’t be available until next year, experts predict the option to mail the FluMist vaccine directly to your home will increase vaccination rates. They also say it may ease the hassle of going out for a flu shot.

Director of hospital epidemiology at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Dr. Andrew Pavia said it solves one of the main reasons why people don’t get the flu vaccine. That reason? It’s inconvenient.

“They don’t have the time to make a separate trip or to make a doctor’s appointment,” he said. “If this can make it more convenient, then for some people, that will be the difference between getting it and not getting it.”

It’s convenience that some families may need, according to Pavia.

“Bundling the kids up and taking them into the supermarket and waiting for the pharmacy,” he said. “[That] might also be inconvenient if you’ve got a lot of kids or a very busy schedule [where] your work doesn’t allow it.” 

Pavia said not all doctor’s offices carry the nasal vaccine. It could be difficult to find one that does. So, getting it shipped straight to your home is a convenient option.

He thinks the next wave of at-home healthcare will be tests for influenza. People are already used to testing themselves for COVID.

Alexandrea Bonilla is a producer, reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.