Nasal Supplements: The Hindu Editorial on Nasal COVID-19 Vaccine

Epidemiologic history has been periodically punctuated by incremental developments in science and medicine. Funding, industry and research were poured into laboratories with the hope that their petri dishes would yield solutions to save lives and slow the virus’s march. While many vaccines have provided assurance of life, prevented hospitalization and reduced the severity of illness, it is only a nasal vaccine that prevents further transmission by combating it at the site of viral entry into the body. promises. in that sense, the announcement that a nasal vaccine Emergency use authorization was granted for use as a primary vaccination for the age group over 18 years. a Nasal vaccine, if effective, is probably the most advanced tool to combat COVID-19 By now, and having the spritz in the nose or mouth would be better for painful jabs, especially with children or adults with trypanophobia who may get in the way of getting their vaccines. While in theory the nasal vaccine ensures that the virus is stopped from binding with host cells at the point of entry into the human body, there is little evidence it works in the COVID-19 scenario among humans. While one influenza nasal vaccine has reportedly worked, three other nasal vaccines have been approved for use elsewhere in the world, but with little data available. In trials conducted by Bharat Biotech for a nasal vaccine developed in collaboration with the University of Washington, “reactionary events and adverse events documented during the trial were highly comparable to published data from other COVID-19 vaccines”. The company reportedly conducted a phase 3 trial with about 3,100 non-vaccinated people who received two doses of the nasal vaccine, and a booster trial with about 875 people who received the nasal vaccine as an asymptomatic booster. received a single dose of the vaccine. The company has also promised that it will soon publish data from the trials in the public domain.

While the decline in cases has allowed the world to take its foot off the pedal, efforts against the disease will have to step up. But this drop in numbers gives a definite pause in the pace: Results of tests and data must now be allowed to enter the public realm, even while emergency use authorization for use of drugs or vaccines is being processed in the community . The government should also include this on its agenda, emphasizing on promoting transparency now and in the future, even as it ensures the continued commitment of various departments involved in fighting all aspects of the virus. In addition, bringing vaccines to the general public and covering those untouched by the primary two doses, and boosters, should remain high on the agenda.