A vaccine against the coronavirus needs to keep people from getting very sick and dying. But preventing the spread of the disease is also important, and vaccines delivered by nasal spray may do that.

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From tiny, dissolving needles to high-powered liquid streams and nasal sprays, scientists are developing alternatives to typical vaccinations.

There's plenty of vaccine available this year, and the sooner people get vaccinated the better, federal health officials say. A recent drop in vaccination, especially among the elderly, concerns them.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend using the nasal spray flu vaccine. In late August, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded it wasn't up to snuff.

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In June, the CDC said the popular nasal flu vaccine isn't effective based on its use in U.S. children. But a new Canadian study says that it does indeed work. It's not at all clear who's right.

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A CDC advisory panel concluded the nasal spray vaccine is so ineffective that it shouldn't be used by anyone during the 2016-2017 flu season. Until 2015, the spray was the top choice for kids.

(Image credit: Jacquelyn Martin)