Nasal Spray Vaccine: The Future of Flu Protection?

New Nasal Flu Vaccine Shows Promise in Boosting Protection

Madison, WI – A novel inhaled influenza vaccine developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers has demonstrated safety and potential effectiveness in boosting protection against both seasonal and pandemic flu.

The vaccine, administered as a nasal spray, was tested on adults aged 65 to 85. When combined with the standard flu shot, it elicited a stronger immune response compared to the shot alone. These findings were published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Unlike traditional flu shots, which are injected and primarily induce antibody production, this new vaccine contains a weakened live virus that stimulates a broader immune response, including the production of antibodies and T cells. This multifaceted approach may offer superior protection against severe illness.

While the study focused on safety, the promising results indicate that combining the nasal spray vaccine with the annual flu shot could be a powerful strategy for safeguarding vulnerable populations. Larger trials are underway to confirm the vaccine’s efficacy and pave the way for wider availability.

“We believe this nasal spray vaccine has the potential to significantly improve protection against flu for older adults,” said Paul Radspinner, CEO of FluGen, the company developing the vaccine. “We’re excited about the possibility of making this available to those most at risk.”