Scrutable

Efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of an oral influenza vaccine: a placebo-controlled and active-controlled phase 2 human challenge study
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(19)30584-5

Orally administered VXA-A1.1 was well tolerated and generated protective immunity against virus shedding, similar to a licensed intramuscular IIV. These results represent a major step forward in developing a safe and effective oral influenza vaccine.

Does having an oral vaccine actually increase uptake rates?

Gentleman Jim wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 30, 2020 11:25 am

Does having an oral vaccine actually increase uptake rates?

It's an empirical question, but it seems plausible. First, there are people who don't like needles, and second, if it can be delivered in pill or gelcap form, it could maybe even be given without the need for a medical professional. So at least on paper this ought to be a win.

Or if side-effects are better (no risk of tenderness at the injection site, most obviously).

Less potential for needlestick injuries, plus cold chain is likely to be easier, so prob cheaper to transport, can be administered by almost anyone so wouldn't necessarily have to be a nurse.
And all of that makes it also better for use in the poorer parts of the world.

So a few reasons why its worth bothering with. Not specifically a focus on increasing uptake per se, but making vaccination a better thing all round.

Production costs will be markedly lower, too

There's already a nasal flu vaccine, I believe. Which I obviously have nothing to do with at all, otherwise I wouldn't be making social media posts talking about it.

Standard flu vaccine is pretty much a 'commodity', outside pandemics I believe there's oversupply in the market for bog-standard flu vaccine (adult age range, intramuscular). People have been coming up with clever innovations and promising universal vaccines for many years, but it's difficult to get into the market when you're competing with stuff in the dollar-a-dose range made by the big bulk manufacturers who have been honing their production processes for decades. On top of that, the whole formulation process is hellishly variable for seasonal flu, it's a rapidly moving target.