What new ways are scientists using to make flu vaccines protect more?
Flu vaccines have long been given as a shot in the arm, but they don't always work well, especially in older adults or when the virus changes. Researchers are now testing several new strategies to make flu vaccines more protective. These include giving the flu shot at the same time as other vaccines, delivering it through the nose, and using advanced technology like virus-like particles to train the immune system more broadly.
What the research says
One approach is coadministration: giving the flu vaccine together with other vaccines. A 2024 study in older adults found that giving a high-dose flu vaccine at the same time as an RSV mRNA vaccine produced a flu immune response that was just as strong as giving them separately 1. This could make it easier for people to get both vaccines in one visit, potentially increasing protection against multiple respiratory viruses.
Another promising strategy is intranasal (nose spray) flu vaccines. A review of intranasal vaccines explains that they can trigger local immune responses in the nose, including secretory IgA and T- and B-cell responses, which may block the virus at its entry point 6. While the only currently licensed intranasal flu vaccine is a live-attenuated vaccine (LAIV) that works well in children, it has shown variable results in adults. Next-generation intranasal platforms aim to improve consistency and safety 6.
Scientists are also engineering virus-like particles (VLPs) to create broadly protective flu vaccines. VLPs are hollow shells that look like a virus but don't cause disease. A review describes how VLPs can be designed to display flu proteins on their surface or carry genetic material inside, training the immune system to recognize multiple flu strains 4. This technology is already used in vaccines for other viruses and is being adapted for flu to provide longer-lasting and broader protection 4.
Finally, real-world data shows that current flu vaccines still offer meaningful protection. An observational study from the 2024-2025 season found that the seasonal flu vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization by 40% and lowered the chance of needing intensive care by 58% 8. These findings underscore that even as new methods are developed, existing vaccines remain valuable.
What to ask your doctor
- Could getting a flu shot at the same time as other vaccines, like the RSV vaccine, be an option for me?
- Is the nasal spray flu vaccine a good choice for me or my children, and how does it compare to the shot?
- Are there any new flu vaccines in development that might offer broader protection, and when might they be available?
- How well does this year's flu vaccine match the circulating strains, and what is its expected effectiveness?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about this topic and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.