Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – In a groundbreaking trial conducted in The Gambia, researchers have discovered that a vaccine patch, no larger than a standard sticking plaster, could be a game-changer in the fight against measles. The trial suggests that this innovative device could offer a safe and effective alternative to traditional injections, particularly in remote areas where transportation and storage of vaccines pose significant challenges.

Measles, a highly contagious disease, poses a serious threat to children worldwide, making the development of accessible and efficient vaccination methods crucial. Despite the availability of effective measles vaccines, vaccination rates have dropped in recent years, leaving millions of children vulnerable, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

The microneedle patch technology works by delivering the vaccine through the skin using microscopic needles, eliminating the need for painful injections. In the trial involving over 200 healthy toddlers and babies, the patch elicited a strong immune response comparable to that of traditional injections. After just one dose, more than 90% of babies were protected against measles, with all infants protected against rubella, and no safety concerns were raised.

“This is an extremely promising development that has sparked a lot of excitement,” said Professor Ed Clarke, a pediatrician and vaccine expert at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. “It demonstrates, for the first time, that vaccines can be safely and effectively administered to babies and young children using microarray-patch technology.”

The microneedle patch offers several advantages over traditional injections, including ease of application by volunteers with minimal training, elimination of the need for cold storage and transport, and reduced fear and risk of needle-related injuries. These advantages make the patch particularly appealing in areas with limited healthcare resources.

In light of the recent rise in measles cases, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates such as London, the need for effective vaccination strategies is more urgent than ever. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) jab remains the best protection against measles, and efforts to ensure vaccine equity among disadvantaged populations are crucial.

Dr. Ikechukwu Adigweme, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of this advancement in achieving greater vaccine equity worldwide. “We hope this is an important step in the march towards greater vaccine equity among disadvantaged populations,” he said.

Larger trials among young unvaccinated children are now planned to further evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of the microneedle patch technology, with the potential for wider rollout in the future.