Article · Health news

MHRA updates Fluenz fainting information

Health news Published · sources checked

The MHRA's September 2026 Safety Roundup says Fluenz nasal flu vaccine information now notes a higher chance of fainting soon after the spray is given.

Key points

  • The MHRA's September 2026 Safety Roundup says the Fluenz product information has been updated to reflect an increased risk of syncope (fainting).
  • The risk applies right after the nasal spray is given.
  • The MHRA says vaccine providers should have procedures in place to prevent injury from fainting and to manage fainting reactions.
  • The MHRA says the information is not in the patient leaflet for this season's campaign.

What was announced

The MHRA's Safety Roundup for September 2026, published on 29 September 2026, says the product information for the Fluenz nasal spray flu vaccine now notes a higher risk of fainting right after the spray is given. The MHRA says procedures should be in place to prevent injury from fainting and to manage fainting reactions.

What it means

The MHRA also says this information is not included in the patient information leaflet for this season's campaign, so clinicians should tell parents and patients about the risk beforehand. The MHRA says the risk is particularly relevant if the person has previously fainted following vaccination.

More guides and news

Educational content. This article summarises public guidance and announcements in plain English for education. It is not medical advice and it cannot say what is right for you: speak to a clinician about your own health, call NHS 111 if you are unsure what to do and 999 in an emergency.