Inhaled COVID-19 vaccine studies show a lot of promise! Moreover, the vaccine blocks the transmission of coronavirus between animals. Read along to know more about this potential COVID-19 vaccine.
Inhaled COVID-19 vaccine: What does the study say?
A recent study published in Science Advances assesses the potential of a one-dose intranasal covid vaccine. It revealed that the vaccine fully protects mice against coronavirus infection. Additionally, it also blocked the viral transmission between animals. The collaborative study was carried out by a team of researchers from the University of Georgia and the University of Iowa.
What is an intranasal vaccine?
If you take a traditional vaccine, it will be directly lead into your bloodstream. However, this COVID-19 vaccine is as simple as a nasal spray. The best part is that you will only need one dose of it. Moreover, the vaccine is storable at refrigerator temperatures for about three months. “Because it is given intranasally, the vaccine may also be easier to administer, especially for those who have a fear of needles,” stated the spokesperson from the University of Iowa’s Health Care. This will also increase its value as a potential vaccine for developing and third-world countries.
The inhaled COVID-19 vaccine uses the parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) to deliver the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 into the cells. PIV5 is a harmless virus. According to the study, this vaccine had a localized immune resonance with cellular immunity and antibody action. The vaccine provided complete immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in rats. Additionally, it also showed similar results in a cage with infected and unprotected ferrets.