Inject with tape

The Georgia Institute of Technology at Emory University in collaboration with the nonprofit organization PATH (USA) is working on creating a tape that can be vaccinated against the flu without pain.

These tapes contain hundreds of microscopic needles measuring only a few micrometres in size. When applied to the skin, these needles and the vaccine quickly dissolve into the body fluid. Because just penetrating the outer layers of the skin, vaccination in this way is not painful. Clinical trials have also shown that vaccination with these tiny needles gives better immunity than traditional needle injections.

This is an advanced technology that can help increase the number of people vaccinated in developing countries with a shortage of medical conditions. Currently, the team is continuing to experiment to create patches that can preserve long-term and against other infectious diseases that make it easier for people to inject themselves, without going to a medical facility.