China Launches Path-Breaking COVID Vaccine Inhaled Through Mouth

Shanghai: Even as Serum Institute of India has stopped producing Covishield, China continues with its vaccination programme against COVID-19.

In a first of its kind, Shanghai on Wednesday started administering an inhalable COVID-19 vaccine, reported AP.

The vaccine — a mist sucked in through the mouth — is being offered as a booster dose for vaccinated individuals.

An official city social media account stated that the booster is being provided free of cost..

China wants more people to get booster shots before relaxing strict COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, unlike what the rest of the world has been following.

A Chinese state media outlet posted a video in which people at a community health centre are seen sticking the short nozzle of a translucent white cup into their mouths.

After slowly inhaling, a person has to hold breath for five seconds. The entire procedure is completed in 20 seconds.

“It was like drinking a cup of milk tea… When I breathed it in, it tasted a bit sweet,” Shanghai resident said in the video.

According to the World Health Organization, about a dozen nasal vaccines are being tested globally.

Needle-free vaccines will have a two-fold benefit – it will find favour with people who don’t like a needle shot and also help expand vaccination in poor countries.