Over time we have seen more and more ways to treat COVID-19. With this variety of options comes many possibilities for the success of vaccinating the global population. Below are a few options that have been announced to at least be in the trial stages.   

 

Vaccine through a jet of air  

Cambridge scientists have started trials on a needle-free vaccine, which would be used as a booster against COVID-19, as well as all known and future variants.  

Professor Heeney has said, "These next generation DIOSvax vaccines should protect us against variants we've seen so far – alpha, beta. Delta variants, for example – and hopefully future-proof against emerging variants and potential coronavirus pandemics." 

SARS-CoV-2 is constantly mutating, and the virus spike protein is changing. This raises concern of 'vaccine escape', where changes to the spike protein means that the immune system is no longer able to recognise it. As said by the University of Cambridge. Which was when the team at Cambridge began searching for new types of antigens.  

This option will give a new approach to vaccinating the population, especially to those who are afraid of needles. As it will be administrated directly through a jet of air.  

Developed by Professor Jonathan Heeney of Cambridge University and chief executive of DIOSynVax. With hopes that not only will this vaccine have the potential of helping those afraid of needles, but also those in poorer nations too as this vaccine can be freeze-dried making it easier to store.  

"There's no needle or hole. It uses a high-powered jet stream, which allows the vaccine to pass through the layer of skin." Said by Dr Rebecca Kinsley from DIOSynVax, when demonstrating the vaccine.  

Since initial trials, it was announced on December 14, 2021, that this vaccine option had started safety trials, delivered by the NHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, which brought forward healthy volunteers aged 18 to 50, these volunteers were to have both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine but not their booster. If successful this vaccine could be scaled up and manufactured as a powder to boost global vaccination efforts, especially helping those in poorer nations, as said above.  

A follow up from these volunteers will be made approximately 12 months to ensure the safety of this vaccine.  

 

Another new vaccine alternative is a pill developed by Pfizer.  

Pfizer COVID-19 Pill 

Along with vaccines, companies such as Pfizer are introducing the possible use of a COVID-19 pills. During clinical trials, this pill showed almost 90% efficacy in preventing the hospitalisation and death caused by COVID-19. The company have now announced that their pill is highly effective in protecting individuals against COVID-19.   

The UK approved the use of the other known COVID-19 pill, Molnupiravir, manufactured by Merck. However, this approval has been delayed in various countries, including the United States over safety concerns. Despite, evidence of effectiveness.   

Pfizer is urging for countries to have this pill as an option against COVID-19. Not only will this pill potentially help millions, but it will also be easier for the most vulnerable and those living in poorer countries to use. Providing worldwide access to help work towards the aim of a global response that benefits everyone.   

During trials, these pills were taken every 12 hours and reduced the risk of hospitalisation or death by over 80%.   

This pill has also found success when it comes to infections from known variants, such as, the most recent one, Omicron.   

The good news is not over for those afraid of needles as one of the other upcoming vaccine options is a patch! 

Vaccine patch for COVID-19 

A Covid vaccine patch began early stages of testing in the last few months of last year. Researchers at the University of Texas and the University of Queensland have shared the latest research of Mice being treated with the patch. Which is led to believe that it may produce a stronger immune response than injections.   

Mice that were given the patch developed more coronavirus antibodies than those with the injection, leaving them completely protected from getting sick with just a single dose. Which is yet 

another breakthrough for science and medicine. 

"It's much more user-friendly than a needle – you simply 'click' an applicator on the skin, and 5000 microscopic projections almost-imperceptibly deliver vaccine into the skin." Said Dr David Muller, from UQ's School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences.   

If you are worried about needles, then you can ease your mind with knowing that the needles on the patch are so small that you'd need a microscope to see them! 

The vaccine should be applied once at home which would mean no more long queues when waiting to get vaccinated. Since the safety and success on the trials on mice, trials are hoping to begin sometimes this year. However, no specifics are known as trials have not reached human testing stages yet.  

This vaccine patch would also help those who lack the correct access to vaccinations as this patch will be easy to transfer and handle. This patch can be stored for around 30 days at room temperature, without losing efficacy, offering a more functional option for those who are vulnerable. Poorer nations have not been able to be as successful with vaccinating their populations, there is a clear divide between these countries and countries within Europe for example. Partially due to the fact that these countries lack temperature-controlled shipping and storage facilities. Once human trails are on the way, we might see an increase in the success of vaccinating the global population. Just like the vaccine done by Cambridge, this patch is unlike traditional vaccines that have to be transported and stored at cold temperatures, making it fully suitable for all living in poorer countries and areas.   

Many forget that when you have severe COVID-19 symptoms you are isolated in hospital and families are isolated at home. This patch and other new medicine such as the Antiviral drug, Molnupiravir could immensely benefit everyone around the world. From granting access (as said above) to easing pressure put on healthcare companies and it's staff.  

If success continues for these vaccine alternatives, we could see the easing of pressure worldwide.