Which type of influenza vaccine is delivered via intranasal spray?

Which type of influenza vaccine is delivered via intranasal spray?

• A. Killed vaccine delivered by shot
• B. Live attenuated vaccine delivered intranasally
• C. Live attenuated vaccine delivered by shot
• D. Killed vaccine delivered intranasally

Answer: (B)

Intranasal influenza vaccination uses a live attenuated influenza vaccine delivered as a nasal spray. The virus is weakened so it can replicate briefly in the cooler environment of the nasal passages, which stimulates strong mucosal immunity (including IgA) in the upper airways, along with systemic immunity. Killed vaccines are inactivated and cannot replicate, so they are given by injection and do not produce the same mucosal immune response. A live attenuated vaccine given by injection would be a different delivery route, not the intranasal spray. Therefore, the intranasal spray option corresponds to a live attenuated influenza vaccine delivered intranasally.

Intranasal influenza vaccination uses a live attenuated influenza vaccine delivered as a nasal spray. The virus is weakened so it can replicate briefly in the cooler environment of the nasal passages, which stimulates strong mucosal immunity (including IgA) in the upper airways, along with systemic immunity. Killed vaccines are inactivated and cannot replicate, so they are given by injection and do not produce the same mucosal immune response. A live attenuated vaccine given by injection would be a different delivery route, not the intranasal spray. Therefore, the intranasal spray option corresponds to a live attenuated influenza vaccine delivered intranasally.