Needle-free vaccinations are vaccinations which are given without the use of a needle. There are a number of delivery options for needle-free vaccinations, ranging from nasal sprays to patches worn on the skin. The development of such vaccinations is a matter of intense interest to medical professionals, who would greatly like to find a way to safely and painlessly deliver vaccines.
There are a number of reasons why the development of needle-free vaccinations is so important. The obvious reason is that such vaccinations would be less painful, making them more widely acceptable. By making vaccines more acceptable, greater vaccination compliance could be reached, thus protecting a larger sector of the population. Patients would also appreciate the reduced discomfort of needle-free vaccinations.
In the developing world, needle-free vaccinations would be a huge boon. The use of such vaccinations would eliminate the risk of needle re-use, a common problem in underfunded health problems, and it could cut down on vaccination costs significantly by eliminating the need for needles. Needle-free vaccinations would also be very easy to deliver, encouraging a wider coverage of the population.
One way to deliver needle-free vaccinations is through mucosal surfaces like the inside of the nose, mouth, and eyes. Vaccines could be smeared directly onto the surface for absorption, or they could be delivered in the form of an aerosol spray. Oral vaccines can be delivered in droplet form directly onto the tongue, as has been done historically with the oral vaccine for polio.
Drug companies have also developed so-called “jet injectors,” which force a liquid vaccine through the pores of the body. Such injectors do not require a needle, although they could be momentarily distressing, as a jet injector basically punches the skin with a concentrated spray of liquid. Some studies have shown that vaccines could even be delivered by simply smearing the vaccine on the skin and allowing the body to absorb it, or by applying vaccine patches.
As of 2008, needle-free vaccinations are not widely available, but there is a growing interest in developing the technology to make vaccines more readily available and cost-effective. It is certainly worth asking your doctor about needle-free vaccinations if the use of needles is a concern for you.
If you are receiving vaccines because you are at elevated risk from a disease, it is a good idea to have a blood test after receiving the vaccine to make sure that the vaccine has taken effect. Such a test can usually be administered within a few months of taking the vaccine, and it will check for antibodies to confirm that the vaccine has taken.