Listen to Story The new Covid-19 mucosal vaccine could be a game-changer in the way vaccines are delivered, according to scientists. Offering a solution for those who fear needles, researchers from Griffith University, published their findings in Nature Communications , exploring the effectiveness of a Covid-19 vaccine administered through the nasal passages. Professor Suresh Mahalingam from Griffith's Institute for Glycomics has led this research for four years.
"This intranasal vaccine, named CDO-7N-1, is a live attenuated vaccine designed to be given through the nose, which could trigger both mucosal and systemic immunity with just a single dose," said Professor Mahalingam. The vaccine generates strong immune memory in the nasal mucosa , providing protection for up to a year or longer. It’s intended to be a single-dose booster, an alternative to needles, without short- or long-term side effects.
Live-attenuated vaccines are known for their ability to induce strong, long-lasting immunity, often requiring just one dose. Unlike other vaccines that use a single antigen, live-attenuated vaccines incorporate the entire virus , providing broader immunity. Dr Xiang Liu, the lead author of the study, noted that the vaccine offers protection against all variants of concern and can neutralise SARS-CoV-1.
"The vaccine is highly effective in preventing transmission, reinfection, and the emergence of new variants," said Dr Liu. Unlike mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer and Moderna), which tar.