Afraid Of Syringes? Japanese Researchers Develop Nasal Spray Version Of COVID-19 Vaccine

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 vaccination is indeed important. But with conventional techniques, syringes, making many people with trypanophobia (fear of needles), think again about taking the opportunity.

Good news coming from Japan. Scientists at Mie University are developing a type of COVID-19 vaccine that can be administered via nasal spray. Thus eliminating the need for needles altogether.

Researchers are aware, out there, there are still many people who are so afraid of needles. Their reactions can even -- seem exaggerated -- hours or even days before getting the shot.

Reporting from Japan Today, Professor Tetsuya Nozaka from the Postgraduate School of Infectious Disease Control and Medicine at Mie University admitted that he was indeed developing a new coronavirus vaccine that could be given through a nasal spray.

"The vaccine can be sprayed through both nostrils, and the appropriate antibodies will be produced", said Tetsuya.

This spray vaccine was developed in March 2020. Can be stored for at least six months. The professor hopes that the vaccine can be used as a booster vaccine. Initial animal testing has yielded positive results.

"The effectiveness of the vaccine even surprised us", said the professor, adding that the possibility of side effects such as fever was very low

Previously, Thailand was also developing a nasal spray model of the COVID-19 vaccine, which will begin human trials in late 2021. Tests on mice have shown promising results.

Developed by the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, the vaccine is based on adenovirus and influenza, said deputy government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek.

Ratchada explained, after trials on mice, the first phase of human trials will begin later this year, pending approval from drug and food regulators.

"The experiment will also test the protection against the Delta variant", explained Ratchada as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, August 11.