Important facts about the Intra-nasal vaccine
Intra-Nasal vaccine
- Vaccines are most commonly administered as
- Injectable shots into the muscles (intramuscular)
- Or the tissue just between the skin and the muscles (subcutaneous).
- However, with intranasal vaccines, the solution is squirted or sprayed into the nostrils and inhaled instead of injecting it.
Benefits to an Intra-nasal vaccine during a pandemic
- These vaccines overcome barriers to delivery and administration that come with producing and distributing injectable vaccines.
- They may be able to tap an additional set of immune cells found in the tissues lining the nose, mouth and lungs.
- Intranasal vaccines cut down on the need for syringes, needles and other components like alcohol swabs, as they are not injected.
- Eliminates needle-associated injuries and infections
- It is easy to administer, as it also does not require trained healthcare workers.
- It is also a single-dose, making it easier for those receiving the vaccine as well–they would not have to schedule revisits for booster shots.
Issues with Intra-nasal vaccine
- Past attempts to develop intranasal vaccines, including for measles flu, have not been very successful.
- These vaccines have mostly been made using live, weakened viruses, but have never cleared clinical trials.
- Only a live attenuated influenza flu vaccine has been licenced through this route of delivery.
Intra-nasal vaccines in News
- Bharat Biotech’s BBV154 is the first publicised attempt at getting an intranasal Covid-19 vaccine.
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