INTRANASAL VACCINES

INTRANASAL VACCINES

Subject : Science & tech

Context : While all COVID-19 vaccines administered through the intramuscular route have been found to reduce the chances of symptomatic disease and death, attempts are being made to develop vaccines that can potentially prevent or at least greatly reduce the chances of being infected and also stop the spread of the virus.

Concept :

• Intranasal vaccines are vaccines that are administered through the nose to the mucosal layer.
• An intranasal vaccine stimulates a broad immune response – neutralizing IgG, mucosal IgA, and T cell responses.
• Immune responses at the site of infection (in the nasal mucosa) – essential for blocking both infection and transmission of COVID-19.
• So far, intranasal vaccination is being used only for influenza.
• However, it cannot be used on certain groups of people, particularly those who have compromised immune systems.

Vaccine Advantages

• The nasal route has excellent potential for vaccination due to the organized immune systems of the nasal mucosa.
• Non-invasive, Needle-free.
• Single dose regimen.
• Ease of administration – does not require trained health care workers.
• Elimination of needle-associated risks (injuries and infections).
• High compliance (Ideally suits for children’s and adults).
• Scalable manufacturing – able to meet global demand.