AstraZeneca’s nasal flu vaccine is available in the US for the 2026-27 season, offering eligible children and adults an alternative to injections and potentially helping improve vaccination uptake.
This winter’s influenza season has been severe enough to leave some paediatric doctors arguing that a needle-free nasal spray could make a real difference for hospital wards next year. In a commentary for Newsroom, one doctor described seeing children who had been previously well become critically ill, requiring intensive care, breathing tubes and multiple medications. Public-health guidance published in the US notes that influenza can be especially dangerous for infants, young children and people with underlying health conditions, and that vaccination remains the main way to reduce risk.
That discussion has gained fresh relevance as AstraZeneca says its live intranasal vaccine, FluMist, is available in the US for the 2026-2027 flu season. The company says it can be used for people aged two to 49 and, depending on age, may be given by a healthcare professional, a parent or carer, or by adults themselves at home through its FluMist Home service. The vaccine is one of the annual flu-shot options recommended by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Medical organisations broadly view the nasal spray as a useful alternative for many patients, but not for everyone. The American Academy of Pediatrics says both the injectable vaccine and the nasal spray are safe and effective options for most people, while Mayo Clinic notes that the spray is generally approved for those aged two to 49. It is not advised for people with severe asthma, certain respiratory conditions, compromised immune systems, pregnancy, a history of severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine, or for children taking some medications.
The key public-health argument is practical as much as clinical: a vaccine that avoids needles may help more children accept it, which could in turn improve uptake in families that might otherwise delay or refuse vaccination. That matters because influenza spreads widely each year, typically in the colder months in the northern hemisphere, and even a vaccine that does not prevent every infection can still reduce illness and complications. For paediatric teams facing another difficult season, the appeal of a simpler, more acceptable vaccine is clear.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
