The Food and Drug Administration announced Friday it had broadened the approval of the FluMist nasal spray to become the first "self-administered" influenza vaccine — though a delay in the change means the vaccine will not be available to ship to homes until next year's flu season at the earliest.

The F.D.A. authorized AstraZeneca’s treatment to be given outside a health care setting, although it will still need a prescription.

T he first-ever needleless flu vaccine that can be given at home was just approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FluMist is a nasal spray that provides protection against influenza A and B, and it’s now approved for self-administration in adults up to age 49 and caregiver-administration for kids ages 2 to 17.