Could Combing Nasal Flu Shot Candidate with Influenza Vaccine Enhance Protection

As numerous vaccine manufacturers strive to produce improved flu shot options, innovative influenza vaccine candidates post positive results in 2024.

Intranasal vaccines are known to provide a wall of defense at the site of infection, helping prevent influenza viruses from entering the nasal mucosa. 

FluGen, Inc., today announced the results of its study comparing the coadministration of intranasal M2SR and the high-dose flu shot in older adults ages 65-85.

Published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases on July 11, 2024, the study, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, evaluated the safety, tolerability, and immunological response to FluGen’s investigational supra-seasonal, live, single-replication, intranasal influenza vaccine when administered with Fluzone High Dose inactivated influenza vaccine.

These researchers concluded the H3N2 M2SR vaccine coadministered with Fluzone HD in older adults was well tolerated and provided enhanced immunogenicity compared with Fluzone HD administered alone.

This finding suggests the potential for improved influenza vaccination efficacy in this age group. 

“The idea of delivering two vaccines in one sitting has become widely accepted,” said Paul Radspinner, President and Chief Executive Officer of FluGen, in a press release on July 12, 2024.

“Imagine being at your local pharmacy for your annual flu shot and also receiving a quick nasal spray that would greatly enhance your chances not only of becoming seriously ill but of being infected at all. This combination solution could have a tremendous impact on the health of older adults."

Radspinner went on to discuss the possible impact on influenza pandemic protection. “If H5N1 or any other mutating influenza strain were to begin infecting millions of people, imagine the benefits of combining an intranasal vaccine, which could stop most infections from occurring, with a strong antibody-based vaccine shot."

"The impact on human health could be unequaled in our history.”

As of July 2024, new trivalent influenza vaccines, such as Flucelvax, had been shipped to pharmacies before the 2024-2025 flu season launches in the United States.