Government researchers say the nasal spray version of the annual flu vaccine didn’t protect kids this past flu season.

Health officials reported Wednesday that the spray performed dismally for the third straight year, while the traditional flu shot — the one that stings — worked reasonably well this winter.

The vaccine’s manufacturer, AstraZeneca, presented its own study that found the FluMist vaccine was somewhat effective, but still not did not work as well as flu shots.

FluMist was once regarded as the best vaccine for protecting children against flu.

The new research was presented at a medical meeting in Atlanta.

An expert panel is expected to consider a proposal to rescind its recommendation for the spray.

(AP)