What do we now know about COVID-19 nasal vaccines?
Coronavirus vaccines have previously provided adequate protection against the SARs-COV-2 virus. While the number of breakthrough infections has increased, existing vaccines have reduced the number of serious diseases and reduced the danger of hospitalization and mortality.
However, as new varieties arise, scientists have been scrambling to assess the efficacy of existing vaccinations and booster injections. Additionally, vaccine manufacturers have been exploring novel avenues to improve vaccination efficacy.
Nasal vaccinations, for example, are now widely regarded as the most current ray of hope in the fight against COVID variant Omicron. The producers of Covaxin, Bharat Biotech of Hyderabad, are currently working on developing an intranasal vaccination shot that could boost the body's immunological response to the virus.
Read More Which COVID Vaccine is better? Covishield, Covaxin or Sputnik V!
COVID vaccines: what's the difference between nasal and intramuscular?
Vaccines that are injected or intramuscular are injected into the skin using injections (needles). Nasal vaccinations, unlike regular immunizations, target the virus present in the mucosal membranes and are administered by the nose rather than the mouth or the arm.
While vaccine doses produce circulating Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that fight against lethal viruses before they may cause significant tissue damage, they aren't always efficient at preventing viral entry into the body.
Nasal vaccinations, on the other hand, are easier to administer and may confer quick immunity. An efficient nasal vaccine could defend against COVID-19 and its variations by interacting directly with T-cells in the nose and throat, which would then target immune cells in the mucosal membrane.
Read More What are the long-term effects of COVID-19?
What is the mechanism of action of nasal vaccines?
Nasal vaccinations are seen as an efficient treatment since most viruses, including those associated with SARs-COV-2, enter the body through the mucosa and infect the cells and molecules present in the mucosal membranes.
Because intranasal vaccines create secretory Immunoglobulin A (IgA), they are able to elicit a significant immune response at the virus's entrance point, the nose. IgA is thought to be more effective than IgG at managing and destroying viruses in the early stages of infection. This may help not only to combat illnesses but also to prevent transmission. Nasal vaccines produce a strong and effective mucosal immune response, which protects the lungs from further injury.
Can nasal sprays protect against the Omicron outbreak?
Nasal vaccinations have been demonstrated to be effective against respiratory viruses in studies. It is now thought that it can also withstand the Omicron form.
Nasal vaccines attacked respiratory infections in mice, according to a recent study published in the journal Science Immunology, however systemic immunization or injectable vaccines did not.
Furthermore, the nasal vaccines produced antibodies that protected the animals against a variety of flu strains, not just the targeted strain, according to the researchers.
Professor of Immunobiology at Yale University, Akiko Iwasaki, feels that the best immune defense occurs at the gate, "guarding against viruses attempting to enter." Nasal vaccinations are thought to be effective against COVID-19 and maybe new variants because they are reported to elicit a robust immune response at the site of virus entry, which is the nose.
Read More 7 Steps to washing your hands properly
How will you protect yourself from the new variant?
Apart from acquiring COVID immunizations, it's critical to practice COVID-appropriate behavior.
Wear your masks on a frequent basis, especially when going somewhere busy. Maintain social distance, avoid public areas, wash your hands properly, and don't let your guard down just yet. Although the number of COVID cases has not been as great as it was during the second wave, no one can predict when a third wave may strike.
For expert advice at just Rs 100/- click here
Comments
Write your first comment.