Revolutionary vaccine patch can protect young children against measles

 

A revolutionary vaccine patch has shown promising results in protecting young children against measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease. The patch, which is the size of a sticking plaster, is easier to transport and store than traditional injections, making it an ideal solution for remote areas where access to healthcare is limited.

The microarray patch uses microscopic needles to deliver the vaccine through the skin, without causing pain or discomfort. In a trial conducted in The Gambia, the patch was tested on over 200 healthy toddlers and babies, and the results were overwhelmingly positive. The immune response to the patch was found to be as strong as the traditional jab, with over 90% of babies protected against measles and all infants against rubella.

The patch has several advantages over traditional needle injections. It can be applied by volunteers with minimal training, eliminating the need for doctors and nurses. Additionally, it does not require refrigeration, making it ideal for areas where access to cold storage is limited. The patch also reduces the risk of needle injuries and addresses people's fears of needles.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, only 83% of children received one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday, the lowest rate since 2008. This has resulted in a significant increase in measles cases, with over 136,000 deaths reported in 2022, mostly among under-fives who had not received the recommended two doses of the vaccine.

The researchers behind the patch hope that it will help address vaccine equity, particularly in disadvantaged populations. Dr. Ikechukwu Adigweme, co-study author, stated, "We hope this is an important step in the march towards greater vaccine equity among disadvantaged populations."

Larger trials are now planned to test the patch among young unvaccinated children, with the aim of rolling it out more widely. If successful, the patch could revolutionize the way we protect against measles and other diseases, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.