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, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.