Researchers are predicting that within 5 years the spray which contains dummy virus cells grown in tobacco plants will be available to the public. The spray could offer protection from the winter vomiting bug for between six months and two years.
The bug is highly contagious and is most potent at this time of year, causing diarrhoea, vomiting and flu-like symptoms which last for two to three days.
Due to the transmissible nature of the virus (from person to person), it is especially rife in hospitals and care homes as well as other crowded settings like schools, army barracks and cruise ships.
Although not normally dangerous, the condition can be deadly to very young and elderly patients