A Painless Flu shot and the end of other painful Vaccinations

Steemit Friends:

How many of you dread needles? It is said that only about 40% of the population gets annual flu shots and other regular vaccinations. This number continues to decline year-over-year. Aside from those who choose not to vaccinate themselves and their children, a large number of people choose not to because of their fear of needles.

What if there was a painless way to get the vaccinations and injections you need, but painlessly and effortlessly? Would you be more inclined? The solution may soon be available!

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have been developing patches that have needles that are smaller than the diameter of a strand of hair. What's good about these needles is that they are so thin and small that most people who place the patch on the skin will hardly feel a thing, if anything at all. The needles as well dissolve so disposing of them is as easy as throwing the patch away in the trash.

Aside from an inhalant, this is a more convenient and better delivery method of vaccines over standard injections. The hope is that by avoiding the "ouch" in drug delivery, people might be more willing to get regular vaccinations and treatments requiring injections.

The micro needles themselves are made of metal and/or glass because of their compatibility to the human body and durability, however scientists have also been experimenting with silicon, and other biodegradable polymers. Because the material requirement is so small price may not be a huge concern as well. This makes vaccines accessible to more people in a shorter span of time.

Imagine being able to deliver any vaccine and drug dose without even needing to visit the doctor and subjecting yourself to a single or several needle pricks. Instead you would be removing a band aid like patch and apply it to the skin for a few minutes to allow for the dismemberment of the drugs into your system. Then you simply remove and throw the patch away. Wala!

Check out the report from CBS News below for more information

The use of such technology is limitless in terms of medical use. Some researchers are also applying sensors to develop patches for diabetic users in order to allow for timely delivery of insulin as needed. Another use being considered are vaccines which can promptly be distributed in case of chemical warfare. With every positive comes a negative and I assume this could also be used for illegal drugs and abused substances.

Although trials are underway and FDA approval has not yet been granted, mass production and adoption of patch delivery medicines could be well within the near future. I don't know about you, but I'm excited about not having to get another vaccine shot for the rest of my life!

Please let me know what you think in the comments below

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Image Sources: [1] [2] [3]

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