Flu vaccines are widely available throughout the United States. Local pharmacies make them easily accessible. In some areas, it’s rather difficult to miss out on the Flu Shot hype, especially when some pharmacies, like CVS, advertise their services with grim reaper cut-outs. But the flu shot is going to become even more convenient in the future. In fact, you can expect to pull one out of your mailbox in the next 5 years.
Flu vaccines are the new micro needle patch
The new flu patch is a dream come true for individuals who shy away from needles. This up-and-coming micro needle patch is an easy way to self-administer a flu vaccine without as much as an “Ouch!”.
In fact, according to the Director of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Roderic Pettigrew, you can have greater access to “life-saving vaccines… and all without pain.”
Flu vaccines will penetrate the skin with new patch technology
Normally, it’s difficult for the body to absorb drugs through the skin due to a thin epidermal layer, called the stratum corneum. However, researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology are finding that it’s possible to break the stratum corneum via the vaccine’s water-soluble and polymer characteristics. This scientific breakthrough means that vaccines can be administered without the use of long and painful needles.
Risks involved with flu vaccine patches
This new vaccine method is both extremely convenient and user-friendly. Individuals no longer even need to leave their home to obtain a vaccination. However, these little patches can wreak environmental damage once they leave your home.
Researchers claim that after the vaccine patch is applied, it can simply be thrown away.
But Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, a long-standing and fervent opponent of vaccines, asks what will become of the vaccine after they’re disposed of. It is possible that toxic chemicals can leak into sewers, and then onto lakes and oceans.
Greater availability of vaccinations
The research project, which is funded by Quantum Grants, states that “although vaccines are an effective strategy for preventing infection, the ease of access to influenza vaccination programs and vaccine efficacy could be improved.
Lack of access is particularly pronounced for those in medically underserved areas.”
It’s logical for both public health officials and the Pharmaceutical Industry to find ways to increase vaccine availability in underserved areas. However, if these areas lack adequate medical treatment facilities, it’s safe to say these areas also lack sufficient knowledge of proper safety and handling procedures when it comes to vaccines.
