Nasal spray flu vaccine trial for kids underway in Australia
Researchers are testing the effectiveness of a nasal spray flu vaccine to see if it could replace needles for kids in Australia. Would you rather get your flu shot this way?
READING LEVEL: GREEN
A new study will explore the effects of a nasal spray flu vaccine on children’s immune systems* with the end game of no more needles.
A Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) team is running the Sniffles study involving a nasal spray vaccine as well as the injectable flu shot to better understand a child’s immune response to each.
Parents can choose which vaccine option they prefer their children to receive.
The nasal spray has been used for many years in countries like the UK and USA, but it is the first time it has been available in Australia.
“While flu vaccines are effective, we want to learn more about exactly how they work in the body,” Dr Shidan Tosif said.
A consultant pediatrician* at the Royal Children’s Hospital and clinician-scientist fellow at MCRI, he said the vaccine acted on a different part of the immune system, the mucosal* immune system in the nasal passages.
“What’s been shown is that it’s as effective as the injected vaccine when they compared it in other countries in the northern hemisphere,” Dr Tosif said.
He said the potential was for the nasal spray technology to be used for other vaccines.
The trial is open for children between two and nine years who have not received a flu vaccine for 2026.
“Parents can choose which vaccine they want and we have two really interesting objectives. One is to see how caregivers and children experience the vaccine and which one they prefer,” Dr Tosif said.
“Interestingly, some people might still prefer an injected vaccine. We will also ask the nurse or the doctor giving the vaccine how they find that experience because that will inform an important aspect of the delivery.
“The second part of this study is that we will provide samples to the World Health Organisation collaborating centre here in Melbourne at the Doherty Institute so that they can assess the response in children to flu vaccines. This will go towards formulating better flu vaccines in 2027.”
Dr Tosif said the study started because the World Health Organisation* (WHO) needed samples to determine the flu vaccines and influenza strain selection for the southern hemisphere and there weren’t as many samples from children that could be provided, he said.
Dr Tosif is one of MCRI’s 1800 researchers, scientists and clinicians working across more than 150 diseases affecting children from allergies and asthma to cancer and genetic disorders*.
“We’re excited to be able to make this really meaningful contribution to the flu vaccine strain selection because it has huge impact every year for children,” he said.
“The strains that go into the flu vaccine and how children respond are critical in informing those discussions by the WHO.”
A NEEDLE-FREE FLU SHOT
Cameron Fernando smiled for the first time while getting a vaccination.
The eight-year-old was one of the first Aussie kids to get his annual flu shot as a nasal spray.
“He was totally fine after, laughing and being his usual silly self,” mum Abigail said.
“Since he’s used to nasal sprays, it just felt like one of those to him, rather than the usual flu jab.”
Ms Fernando said Cameron, who is “quite needle-phobic*” told her he didn’t feel any pain at all and, for the first time, didn’t feel scared or anxious.
“I would say this was the first time Cameron has ever smiled during a vaccination,” she said.
She said with his previous vaccinations, the lead-up and moment of the injection have always been the most difficult for him and his parents.
“The experience typically involves a great deal of resistance and anxiety. For this reason, we decided to try the nasal spray flu vaccine. If there is an option for him to be vaccinated without a needle, it simply makes sense for us to take it,” Ms Fernando said.
“From my experience as both a parent and a health professional, my general advice is that, given the range of flu vaccines available in Australia, including the nasal spray, it does not necessarily mean that one is better than another. The best choice simply comes down to whichever vaccine is available at the time through your GP, local council, pharmacy, or other provider.”
She said the nasal spray flu vaccine could be a good option if you have a strong fear of needles.
“Speaking from experience with a needle-phobic child receiving the nasal spray flu vaccine, it was such a real relief to see him remain calm and relaxed throughout the entire process,” Ms Fernando said.
“If it offers the same, or even better, protection than current injectable vaccines, then I would fully support it, particularly if it also makes the vaccination process easier, less stressful, and more comfortable for everyone.”
POLL
GLOSSARY
- immune systems: the body’s defence network that fights off germs and sickness and helps you get better when you are ill
- pediatrician: a doctor who specialises in caring for children
- mucosal: the protective, inner lining of body cavities, organs and passages exposed to the outside world
- World Health Organisation: a United Nations agency that directs and coordinates public health across the world
- genetic disorders: disorders caused by abnormalities in a person’s DNA structure
- needle-phobic: scared of getting needles
EXTRA READING
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QUICK QUIZ
1. Why are Australian researchers trialling a nasal spray flu vaccine?
2. What other countries is the nasal spray vaccine already available in?
3. How old do kids need to be to take part in the trial?
4. What has been demonstrated through the use of the nasal spray in the northern hemisphere?
5. Under what circumstances could a nasal spray be useful compared to a needle?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Data collection
Collect data from your classmates to find out whether they would prefer to be vaccinated against influenza by injection or nasal spray. Record their responses, including their reasons.
Present your data graphically and write a short paragraph to summarise your findings.
Time: allow 30 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English; Mathematics
2. Extension
Repeat your survey, but this time survey adults. Comment on the similarities or differences in the responses you received. What do you think this result means?
Time: allow 20 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English; Mathematics
VCOP ACTIVITY
BAB it!
Show you have read and understood the article by writing three sentences using the connectives “because’’, “and”, and “but” (BAB). Your sentences can share different facts or opinions, or the same ones but written about in different ways.