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 fre
e 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.