Vaccine patch may replace needles

[dipsydoodle]

A vaccine patch could cut out the need for painful needles and boost the effectiveness of immunisation against diseases like flu, say US researchers.

The patch has hundreds of microscopic needles which dissolve into the skin.

Tests in mice show the technology may even produce a better immune response than a conventional jab.

Writing in Nature Medicine, the team of researchers said the patch could one day enable people to vaccinate themselves.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10661117

[LiberalFighter]

1. Like a needle is that painful and long lasting is really an issue.

But the real advantages:
More effective
Can be self applied
Fewer needle injuries for medical personnel
Reduced or eliminate need to dispose of needles

[Tumbulu]

2. a needle is a big deal, especially when you go to parts of the world

where sterilized needles are a luxury... and what about the waste of producing billions of needles for single use and then discarding them?

I am thrilled that progress is being made in this area.

Where I was in West Africa ( in 1980) the UN health people used three needles to vaccinate about 600 kids...just wiped the needle off between kids.....hmm then they "discovered" AIDS there....... they threw the used needles on the side of the road. They got rusty and then other kids found them and played with them....three children in the village I lived in died of tetanus...perhaps it was the jabs from rusty needles? Who knows, delivering vaccines with needles seems barbaric.

[mzmolly]

4. It is for an infant.

Traumatic as well, I'm sure. I think it would reduce anxiety for both parents and children. I hope we'll see more of this technology soon.

[Crunchy Frog]

5. Some people have serious needle phobias.

I'm not quite that bad, but I do hate them. I would love to see them replaced.

[mzmolly]

3. Very cool.

:D