The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is aware of the inhalable COVID-19 vaccine being administered in Shanghai City, China.

What appears to be a world first is awaiting further discussions between Fiji and World Health Organisation (WHO) before any decision on acquiring such a method is brought into the country. Permanent Secretary, Dr James Fong, confirmed that the ministry had been advised about the vaccine by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation.

According to the Los Angeles Times, this new method involves the vaccine as a mist sucked through the mouth and is offered for free as a booster dose in the city. It also reported that needlefree vaccines could persuade people who do not like getting a shot to get vaccinated and it could help expand vaccination in poor countries.

“China wants more people to get booster shots before it relaxes strict pandemic restrictions that are holding back the economy and increasingly out of sync with the rest of the world,” stated the LA Times.

There was a video posted by an online Chinese State Media outlet showing people in a community health centre sticking the short nozzle of a translucent white cup into their mouths.

The procedure takes up to 20 seconds. Chinese regulators approved the inhalable vaccine last month but only as a booster shot after studies showed it triggered an immune system response in people with two vaccine shots.

The WHO said about a dozen nasal vaccines were being tested globally. In Fiji, two people were admitted for COVID-19 as of October 20. There were three new cases also reported.

Story By: josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj