The future of vaccination might be upon us! Let us introduce you to the nasal vaccination!
What is nasal vaccination?
Nasal vaccines first started emerging at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As its name indicates, nasal vaccinations are administered via a spritz through the nose--one of the same ways that COVID-19 enters the body. These vaccines are being investigated and developed around the world, although there has yet to be widespread administration of the new creation. Please note that the following is all based on preliminary testing still subject to greater interrogation.
The Benefits of Nasal Vaccination
Specifically, scientists believe that a nasal vaccination, unlike traditionally-injected vaccines, may provide additional, long-term protection from viruses like COVID-19. This is due to the fact that these protectants target the nose and upper respiratory tract which is often the focus of the COVID virus. Thus, this new innovation may potentially prevent infection by blocking nasal entry of the virus rather than simply reducing the intensity of symptoms.
Based on preliminary research, the nasal vaccine may also boost immunity in patients that have already been vaccinated. Specifically, the nasal vaccine is thought to build immunity in the cells lining the mucous membrane in the nose, thereby enabling the immune system to stop the entry and spread of viruses that are inhaled.
In addition, the potential for a nasal vaccination eliminates the need for a needle injection, which often causes patients to be hesitant in receiving vaccination. This also means that such a vaccine may not necessarily require a healthcare professional to administer, allowing the vaccine to be much more widely accessible.
SARS-CoV-2 Nasal Vaccines
Conventional COVID vaccines are injected into muscle cells, which help train the immune system’s T and B cells to destroy infected cells and foreign agents. However, both of these cells are largely circulated through the bloodstream, whereas a disease like COVID-19 primarily affects the nose and lungs in its early stages. While current COVID vaccinations have been extremely effective in mitigating the fatality of the disease, a nasal vaccine proposes an avenue for rapid protection.
The future for nasal vaccination is definitely bright, although only time and more in-depth research may tell if this type of vaccination will become a more effective alternative to traditionally-administered vaccines. Stay tuned for more updates in this field!
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