Report: UAE to Roll Out Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine for the First Time

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The UAE is set to introduce a nasal spray flu vaccine for the first time, offering a needle-free alternative across select public and private healthcare centres, Emarat Al Youm reported, citing the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).

As part of the approved vaccination options for the current flu season, the Ministry confirmed that the new spray aims to expand safe and effective immunization choices and boost the country’s overall vaccination coverage.

The nasal vaccine contains the same annually approved flu strains as the traditional injectable version but uses a live attenuated (weakened) virus and is administered without needles—making it especially suitable for children and individuals who fear injections. It is approved for healthy people aged 2 to 49.

Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Public Health and Prevention Department at MoHAP, noted that the vaccine first received FDA approval in 2003 for ages 5 to 49, with approval expanded in 2007 to include children aged 2 to 5.

She stressed that the nasal spray is strictly for healthy individuals aged 2–49, and that a physician’s assessment remains essential to determine the best option for each patient.

MoHAP also outlined six groups for whom the nasal spray is not recommended:

• Children under 2

• Adults aged 50 and above

• Pregnant women

• Individuals with immune disorders

• People with certain chronic diseases

• Those in close contact with individuals with severe immunodeficiency

In such cases, injectable vaccines or other physician-approved alternatives are preferred to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness in line with international standards.

The Ministry confirmed that the nasal spray flu vaccine is registered in the UAE and monitored under the national pharmacovigilance programme, with approvals from global health bodies including the FDA, WHO, and EMA. All side effects and effectiveness data are continuously tracked to maintain the highest safety and quality levels across the country’s healthcare system.