UAE Offers nasal Spray Flu Vaccine for First Time

The Ministry of Health and Community Protection announced the availability of influenza vaccine via nasal spray in select government and private centers and hospitals. This marks the first time this method has been approved as a vaccination option for the current season. The move reflects the Ministry’s commitment too expanding safe and effective vaccination choices and increasing vaccine coverage rates,aligning with the UAE’s focus on preventing seasonal infectious diseases and reducing health complications for vulnerable populations.

The Ministry confirmed to “Emirates Today” that the nasal spray vaccine was recently registered in the country, adhering to established regulatory standards. It provides an additional, advanced option that enhances mucosal immunity through a different administration method. Like the customary intramuscular vaccine, it covers annually approved strains, but utilizes live attenuated (weakened) virus technology and is administered without needles. This makes it a suitable choice for children and individuals with a fear of injections, for healthy individuals aged two to 49 years.

Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, director of the Public Health and Prevention Department at the Ministry, detailed that the nasal spray vaccine received initial approval from the US food and drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 for use in individuals aged five to 49 years. this approval was later expanded in 2007 to include children aged two to five years. Its recent registration in the UAE,in accordance with regulatory standards,demonstrates the Ministry’s dedication to adopting the latest internationally recognized preventive practices and technologies,bolstering the national health system’s preparedness for the annual influenza season.

She explained to “Emirates Today” that the vaccine protects against the same annual strains as the intramuscular influenza vaccine. However, the nasal spray utilizes live attenuated (weakened) virus technology, while the intramuscular vaccine employs either parts of the virus or the entire virus after inactivation.These multiple options are part of the Ministry’s strategy to provide appropriate alternatives for diverse target groups, strengthening community immunity against influenza.

Al Marzouqi highlighted several benefits of the vaccine, notably its…