• Delaware: AstraZeneca has launched a new at-home delivery option for its nasal spray flu vaccine FluMist. FDA first approved FluMist in 2003 for use by healthcare providers. Last September, FDA approved FluMist for self- or caregiver-administration, making it the first flu vaccine to be approved for at-home use. Adults ages 18 to 49 are eligible to self-administer the vaccine while children ages two to 17 can receive the vaccine through caregiver administration. Although the vaccine still requires a prescription, people can access the vaccine through a medical screening questionnaire through AstraZeneca's online pharmacy FluMist Home. "This launch of FluMist Home is a transformational moment in the evolution of influenza protection, bringing a simple and accessible option directly into the hands of consumers," said Joris Silon, U.S. country president and SVP of AstraZeneca. Currently, CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get vaccinated against the flu this fall. (Murphy, Becker's Hospital Review, 8/19; Najib/Cobern, ABC News, 8/15)
• Ohio: Cardinal Health has agreed to purchase Solaris Health for $1.9 billion, adding to the organization's recent urology acquisitions. According to Modern Healthcare/Bloomberg, Cardinal recently completed its acquisition of Academic Urology & Urogynecology. "Accelerating Specialty growth remains our top priority," said Cardinal Health CEO Jason Hollar. "As we previously highlighted, urology is an attractive specialty for us, and we are well-positioned to meet the comprehensive needs of community urologists through the robust combined capabilities of The Specialty Alliance, Specialty Networks and Cardinal Health." Cardinal's deal with Solaris is expected to close by the end of the year. (Garcia, Modern Healthcare/Bloomberg, 8/12; Landi, Fierce Healthcare, 8/13)
• Texas: Oracle has launched a new AI-powered electronic health record (EHR) to help streamline providers' workflows and reduce administrative burdens. The platform, which was developed on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, uses voice commands to allow providers to access patient information without having to navigate multiple screens. The system's AI agents can also provide contextual information and automate different processes to allow physicians to focus more on patient care. "Our agents act as smart assistants that can dynamically surface critical insights and queue suggested actions while enabling clinicians to remain in control," said Seema Verma, EVP and general manager of Oracle Health and Life Sciences. Currently, the EHR is being rolled out in ambulatory settings, and acute care capabilities are expected by mid-2026. Oracle also plans to expand its specialty coverage over time, first with primary care and pediatrics before adding more specialties. (Diaz, Becker's Health IT, 8/13) 

As temperatures get colder and fall approaches, millions of Americans will start getting their series of vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Here's how to best time your shots, according to experts.