All the benefits of a vaccine, without the sting

Countless people, regardless of age, harbor a fear of needles. After all, they are sharp and pointy, penetrate your skin, and, quite frankly, hurt. The lack of control- having someone else inject you, not knowing the precise instant that the needle will prick you- doesn’t make the situation any better. But soon, all of these intimidating elements could be eliminated from the flu shot.

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology are remodeling the flu vaccine, where in place of one large needle, there will be 100 tiny needles, or “microneedles.” These needles, which measure 300 tenths of an inch in length, would be administered via adhesive patch.

Though needles are still involved, there seems to be little need for skeptics to worry. Mark Prausnitz, who is leading the research at Georgia Tech, said that in a trial where the patches were worn without vaccine, “Nearly everyone said it was painless.” In describing just exactly how it does feel, he said, “The business side of the patch feels like fine sandpaper.”

Not only would this new method of vaccination be beneficial for those who fear needles, but it would also prove to be a great convenience for the general public. The patches could be purchased at a drugstore, or even be shipped in the mail. Then people would get to put on their own patch, with no need for a trip to the doctor’s office. One could go about their daily routine while wearing the patch, which need only be worn for between five and 15 minutes. As for disposal, it couldn’t get much easier, since the microneedles simply dissolve away.

So far, the patches have been tested on mice, but if the research gains more funding, testing will move on to people. And if those trials go well, then society could be wearing patches to prevent the flu as early as five years from now.