SCIENCE NEWS - A new vaccine-delivery system with 100 tiny dissolvable needles in a Band-Aid–like patch

The worst thing about getting a vaccination is the big, scary hypodermic needle. So researchers have invented a new vaccine-delivery system that replaces the large single needle with 100 tiny dissolvable ones embedded in a Band-Aid–like patch. 

Once the microneedles pierce the skin, they dissolve into the surrounding bodily fluid, releasing the vaccine in the process. The whole thing takes anywhere from 30 seconds to five minutes, says Sullivan, its lead developer, on July 18 in Nature Medicine.

Since the patch just needs to be slapped on and can be stored at room temperature, medical training and careful handling aren’t required. People could pick up the patches from the pharmacy or even get them in the mail and vaccinate themselves, says Sullivan, who now works for medical device manufacturer Becton, Dickinson and Company. The researchers say that the patch could be used to replace a number of needle vaccinations, including the annual flu shot.

SO YOU CAN VACCINATE YOURSELF without going to a doctor!!! Sounds exciting!!

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