How is the children’s nasal spray flu vaccine given?

This vaccine is a nasal spray; flu protection without the injection. The nasal spray is quick and painless and is given to your child in three easy steps as follows:1

Step one

Take a seat and get comfy with the nurse, healthcare assistant, or a doctor.

Step Two

They place the tip of a thin plastic tube just inside your child’s nostril.

Step Three

Your child can still be able to breathe normally while the vaccine is given – no need to inhale or sniff.

Step Four

The nasal spray flu vaccine dose is divided between both nostrils, so half the dose is sprayed into one of your child’s nostrils.

Step Five

Immediately, or very quickly, after the first half–dose has been sprayed into your child’s nostril, the second half of the dose is sprayed into their other nostril.

Step Six

And it is that easy, they’re done.

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Is the nasal spray flu vaccine suitable for my child?

Since the start of the NHS childhood flu National Immunisation Programme in 2013, millions of children have been vaccinated with the nasal spray flu vaccine in the UK.3 If your child is eligible, they will be offered the nasal spray flu vaccine unless:1,2

  • They are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, including egg proteins or gentamicin.

  • They have a weak immune system due to having certain diseases such as a blood disorder or cancer or taking certain medicines.

  • They have severe asthma, or are currently wheezing.

  • They are taking aspirin, or medications that contain aspirin.

If the nasal spray is not suitable, an alternative injectable flu vaccine may be offered.

If your child is going to have close contact with someone who has a severely weakened immune system (for example, a bone marrow transplant patient), it’s advisable to speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before vaccination to check that the nasal spray is a suitable option for your child.3

Can my child get a flu injection (flu jab) instead?

Speak to your healthcare team to talk through the options available to you.

Are there side effects?

The nasal spray flu vaccine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most side effects are mild in nature and short term:2

  • Very common side effects may affect more than 1 in 10 people, and may include reduced appetite, runny or stuffy nose and weakness.

  • Common side effects may affect 1 in 10 people, and may include muscle aches, headache and fever.

  • Serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions, are very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people). Signs of a severe allergic reaction may include shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue; you should tell your doctor straight away or seek urgent medical care if your child experiences any of these effects.


For more detailed information on side effects, please read the nasal spray flu vaccine parent leaflet. All side effects should be reported. If your child gets any side effects, talk to your healthcare team, doctor, nurse or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. This information is always available at the bottom of these pages.

Do you have any questions? Check out the FAQs on the next page