Needle-Free Flu Vaccines
Last updated: September 10, 2025
Flu season is here, and the media is already full of messages reminding everyone to get their annual flu vaccine. If you have needle phobia, you might feel like getting vaccinated is too difficult or scary. The good news is: there are needle-free ways to be protected against the flu!
Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine (FluMist®)
Who can get it?
People ages 2-49, who aren’t pregnant and do not have certain health conditions (asthma, any condition that compromises the immune system, etc.) The full criteria are available from the CDC here.
What's it like?
The nasal spray flu vaccine is a gentle mist in each nostril. It’s not painful and is slightly flavored.
NEW: Vaccinate Yourself at Home (Most US States)
FluMist® is now approved for self-administration and can be shipped to your door. This is a great improvement for people with needle phobia, as FluMist® used to be difficult to find outside of pediatric clinics.
You can find more information about ordering the nasal spray vaccine here.
For the 2025-2026 flu season, FluMist Home will be available in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, MA, MD, ME, MI, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, and WY. For the 2025-2026 flu season. FluMist Home will not be available in: AK, AR, DC, DE, HI, IN, KS, KY, LA, MN, MO, MS, NM, NY, OK, RI, and WV. The manufacturer says they aim to have it available in the contiguous 48 states next year.
If you’re in a state where it is not available at home, you can still go to a clinic to get the nasal spray flu vaccine.
Finding a Clinic
The clinic locator for the nasal spray flu vaccine is available here.
Flu Vaccination by Needle-Free Injector (Afluria®)
Who can get it?
Adults, 18-64.
What's it like?
It’s given as an injection in the upper arm, like most flu vaccines, but is delivered with air pressure instead of a needle!
Finding a Clinic
Unfortunately, we have had difficulty finding any information about where this option is available. We recommend calling pharmacies and clinics yourself, and asking if they offer the needle-free version of Afluria®. (This vaccine can also be given by traditional injection techniques.)