TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Researchers Say Flu Shots Could Be A Thing Of The Past

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 29, 2008

Although it's important to get flu vaccines, getting stabbed with a needle is unpleasant for adults, and downright scary for children. Korean researchers are working on a way to circumvent the pain and tears: flu vaccines that can be placed under the tongue. Better ways of delivering vaccine have long been under study, ranging from orally to inhaled, but all seem to have drawbacks.

The researchers say the new vaccine worked in mice, avoiding not only the painful prick but also the discomfort some people feel from the inhaled vaccine. Next, they are turning their attention to people, to see if the under-the-tongue vaccine also prompts a strong immune response.

Nation/World, Page 7

•Two doses of influenza vaccine under the tongue of mice primed the animals' immune system to fight off what would otherwise have been a deadly dose of flu.

•Placing a couple of drops of liquid under the tongue gets the vaccine directly to mucus membranes and prompts a response both in mucus tissues throughout the body as well as in the immune system, the researchers said.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT