In a previous study, we demonstrated that immunization of mice with influenza WIV vaccine provides protection against heterosubtypic challenge, primarily through the induction of cross‐reactive flu‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses.9 Here, we show that parenteral administration, particularly IM injection, is superior to mucosal (IN) vaccine delivery for the induction of cross‐reactive flu‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses and cross‐protection by WIV. Here, CD8A is linked to influenza.