Needle-Free Flu Vaccines: Powerful and Economical Options Coming Soon
A new powerful and cost-effective needle-free influenza vaccine, delivered through the nose, brings hope to those with a fear of needles.
Hope is on the horizon for individuals with needle phobias, as researchers at Griffith University have created a needle-free influenza vaccine that can be administered through the nasal passage.
“These reprogrammed bacterial cells act as efficient factories for generating the desired vaccine particles, enabling us to produce large quantities of the vaccine quickly,” he explained.
Not only does this vaccine technology work for preventing human influenza, but it also shows promise in combating avian and swine influenzas and other animal flus due to its potency and affordability.
According to Rehm, the manufacturing process results in sturdy vaccine particles that can withstand degradation, making them suitable for storage.
He further elaborated that these synthetic vaccine particles imitate the virus, triggering an immune response that prevents infection.
Related Stories
Advantages of Nasal Delivery
Approximately 10 percent of individuals struggle with moderate to severe needle phobia, often experiencing symptoms such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, trembling, and breathlessness.
Anticipating the needle can lead to a rise in blood pressure, while encountering or receiving the needle can cause a sudden drop in pressure and heart rate, resulting in fainting. Consequently, around half of individuals with needle phobia have experienced fainting at least once.
Needle phobia may also trigger strong impulses to avoid needles in the future.
Currently, the common approach to addressing needle phobia involves gradual exposure to the fear in a safe environment.
However, this new vaccine holds promise for individuals who struggle with needle phobia, enabling them to receive flu vaccinations without triggering their fears.
Another advantage of delivering this vaccine through the nasal passage is that it can significantly reduce the replication and spread of respiratory viruses (which are transmitted through coughing and sneezing).
According to Rehm, nasal delivery mimics the natural virus entry mechanism into the body that causes infection. However, instead of causing an infection, the vaccine prompts an immune response to eliminate the illness.
Who Is Eligible for the Vaccine?
Rehm explained that the vaccine is produced using mineral solutions and sugar, free from animal-derived components or antibiotics, suggesting wide applicability without limitations.
“While more research is needed, our goal is to introduce a human intranasal influenza vaccine to the public within the next three to four years,” he stated.
“The development of a novel influenza vaccine that offers long-term protection against a variety of seasonal and emerging strains would be a significant health and economic advantage.”
