America Approves First Home-Use Influenza Vaccine
September 21, 2024, 3:49 pm

America Approves First Home-Use Influenza Vaccine

لقاح إنفلونزا

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first influenza vaccine that can be used at home, a nasal spray called "Flumist." Consumers with a prescription will be able to order it online starting next year, according to the Washington Post.

The vaccine's manufacturer, AstraZeneca, clarified that the vaccine will be available through an online pharmacy managed by a third party, where individuals will undergo an evaluation to determine their eligibility for using the vaccine. After the evaluation, the pharmacy will decide whether they can receive the vaccine.

The method of use is simple, as only one dose is sprayed into each nostril. The cost of "Flumist" without health insurance ranges from $35 to $45, while many insured individuals can get the vaccine for free.

Health experts believe that the ease of using "Flumist" could contribute to increased vaccination rates against influenza, especially among those who fear needles. Although "Flumist" is the only vaccine given through the nose, it is not new; it was approved in 2003 for individuals aged 5 to 49 and was expanded in 2007 to include children aged two years.

Eligible individuals can receive the vaccine from healthcare providers, but if they choose to get it at home, the person administering the vaccine must be 18 years old or older.

Dr. Scott Roberts, an infectious disease specialist at Yale University School of Medicine, states that this vaccine could be an ideal option for those who fear injections, making it easier for them to get vaccinated.

Studies have shown that the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine, whether administered via injection or nasal spray, is similar. However, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions are still not eligible to receive this vaccine due to the risk of potential side effects.

Seasonal influenza is a highly contagious disease, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating that between 4,900 and 51,000 people die annually from it between 2010 and 2023.

In the past two years, vaccination rates against influenza have remained stable, but they have been lower than during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020-2021).

Source: Al-Hurra

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”