Measles and rubella vaccine microneedle patch: new hope to reach the unreached children (11 May 2024)

Summary

Worldwide, more than 99% of the burden of measles infections and deaths affects populations in low-income and middle-income countries. Measles accounts for 3% of the global mortality of children younger than five years, constituting 90% of deaths from measles, and rubella is the main vaccine-preventable cause of birth defects. Vaccine coverage, both through routine immunisation and supplementary immunisation activities, remains below targets for measles elimination, with considerable heterogeneity between and within countries.

This Lancet article looks at how microneedle patches (MNPs) could potentially improve coverage of childhood vaccinations by providing a more thermostable, individual-dose, injection-free vaccine delivery device suitable for administration by local, non-medical personnel. MNPs could also reduce wasted vaccine doses, needle-stick injuries and breaks in the cold chain, as well as making waste management easier.