Scientists create universal nasal spray vaccine that protects against COVID, flu, and pneumonia

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Source: ScienceDaily Health

Original: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092258.htm...

Published: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:45:18 EST

Stanford Medicine researchers have developed a universal nasal spray vaccine that protects mice against respiratory viruses, bacteria and allergens.[2] Instead of targeting a specific pathogen, the vaccine supercharges the immune defenses of the lungs and keeps them on alert for several months.[1][2] In mice, given as a nasal drop, including three doses at weekly intervals, it protected against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses for at least three months.[2] Vaccinated mice were also protected against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii for about three months.[2] In addition, the vaccine blocked allergic reactions, for example to dust mites.[2] The immune system of the lungs in vaccinated mice triggered a specific response, including T-cells and antibodies, in as little as three days, instead of two weeks in unvaccinated ones.[2] A study with these results was published on November 19 in the journal Science.[2]