Acceptability of intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine, influenza knowledge and vaccine intent in The Gambia

•Mothers of children who received LAIV preferred intranasal vaccines over injections.•The LAIV was viewed as safe, easy to give and less distressing than injections.•Influenza knowledge was higher in those with more education.•Influenza vaccine intent was very high, but not associated with influenza knowledge.•Based on acceptability, introducing influenza vaccination would be feasible here. The burden of influenza is increasingly recognised in Africa. The WHO recommends introducing influenza vaccination to high-risk groups: pregnant women, children