SNIFFLES - Southern Hemisphere Nasal Influenza Flu Vaccine Experience Study

Project status: Active

Research area: Infection, Immunity and Global Health > SAEFVIC

Helping us learn how flu vaccines work for kids — so we can better protect children in the future

This study compares the standard flu shot with FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine, to see how well children’s immune systems respond to each. While flu vaccines are effective, we are still learning exactly how they work in the body.

To participate, check if your child qualifies to take part in SNIFFLES below.

To...

To participate, check if your child qualifies to take part in SNIFFLES below.

The challenge

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious virus that can range from mild symptoms to severe illness and can sometimes be life-threatening. Children are often the most affected. In 2024, over 365,000 Australians were diagnosed with the flu, the highest number on record, with most cases in children under 10.

The best way to prevent flu and reduce its impact is to get vaccinated each year. Despite this, vaccination rates in Victoria remain low. In 2024, only 32 percent of children aged six months to five years and 15 percent of those aged five to 15 received a flu shot.

About SNIFFLES

With FluMist available in Australia in 2026, this is an opportunity to study immune responses in both the nasal lining and the rest of the body, especially in children who have not had a nasal flu vaccine before. FluMist has been safely used for many years in countries like the UK and USA. Being a nasal spray rather than an injection, it may make vaccination easier and more acceptable for children.

The study will also provide blood samples from Australian children to the World Health Organization (WHO) helping fill a gap in global flu monitoring. These samples will ensure children’s immune responses are considered when flu vaccine strains are chosen, improving vaccine effectiveness in our region and supporting global influenza preparedness.

Key researchers

This project is led by Associate Professor Shidan Tosif, a consultant paediatrician at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and clinician-scientist fellow at MCRI.

Funding and collaboration

SAEFVIC research at MCRI is the coordinating group and responsible for running the project.
The MOVE Consortium and the WHO Collaboration Centres (WHOCC) are the two main bodies analysing the biological samples and data.
AstraZeneca, who makes the FluMist vaccine, is the primary funder.

Information for participants

We’d love to hear from you if your child:

Is two to nine years old AND,
Has not yet had their flu shot this year (2026)

Could your child take part in the SNIFFLES? Check eligibility and register your interest today. The study begins in April 2026.

Check eligibility & register

What to expect at the SNIFFLES visits

First visit: Nasal and blood samples, flu vaccine, and an online questionnaire.
Follow‑up questionnaire (seven days later): Short online questionnaire.
Second vaccine visit (if needed, 30 days later): For children needing a second dose with optional nasal and blood samples before the second flu vaccine.
Follow‑up questionnaire (seven days after second vaccine): Short online questionnaire.
Final visit (30 days after last flu vaccine): Final nasal and blood samples and online questionnaire.