A new tiny patch under research would make receiving the flu vaccine simple and almost pain-free. (279 hits)
Instead of using the the needle for the vaccine; there's a patch; smaller than the size of a penny. It has hundreds of microscopic needles; that don't hurt and dissolve into the skin.
The patch could be used most effectively during a flu pandemic and would simplify large scale immunizations in developing countries. There is one warning however, similar to the regular vaccine; doctors say you might experience some swelling locally in the skin.
The micro needle patches take about 15 minutes to dissolve. So far, they have been effective in immunizing mice. The next step is a clinical trial to see how they work on people. If all goes well, it could be available in about five years.
