Flu season is here, and the media is already full of messages reminding everyone to get their annual flu vaccine. Many people with needle phobia might want to get vaccinated, but feel like they can’t because of the anxiety involved. But did you know there are needle-free options? In the United States, there are two such vaccines available: the first, called FluMist® is given in the form of a nasal spray, and the second, Afluria®, can be given with a needle-free injector called PharmaJet. (Afluria® can also be given as a traditional injection.)
Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
The nasal spray flu vaccine can be given to people ages 2-49 who do not have certain health conditions (asthma, any condition that compromises the immune system, etc.) The full criteria are available from the CDC here. The vaccine is given as a gentle mist into each nostril; it’s not painful!
The nasal spray flu vaccine tends to be easiest to find in pediatric clinics, so adults may have more trouble finding a location that will offer it to them. You can locate your nearest clinic offering it at this link.
If you’d like to see what the experience of getting the nasal spray is like, you can check out this animated video from the manufacturer. (NOTE: This video contains some general medical imagery — waiting room, exam table, etc. There are no needles shown, though the sprayer for the nasal spray looks like a syringe with no needle.)
Flu Vaccine Given by Needle-Free Injector
In addition, there is also a vaccine that is available my needle-free injector. This is given into the upper arm like most flu vaccines, but is delivered with air pressure (no needles involved!). It can be given to people ages 18-64 years. A brochure from the manufacturer is here. Unfortunately, we are not aware of any way to find clinics offering this option, but we will post an update if we find more information. (If you do your own research, remember that Afluria® can also be given as a traditional injection, so you’ll need to ask clinics whether they offer the needle-free option.)