The Chinese city of Shanghai has started administering an inhalable COVID-19 vaccine in what appears to be a world first.
The vaccine, a mist that is sucked in through the mouth, is being offered for free as a booster dose for previously vaccinated individuals.
Needle-free vaccines may persuade more people to get vaccinated and help expand vaccination in developing countries, as they are easier to administer.
China doesn't have vaccine mandates but wants more people to get booster shots before it relaxes strict pandemic restrictions that are holding back the economy.
A video posted by an online Chinese state media outlet showed people at a community health centre sticking the short nozzle of a translucent white cup into their mouths.
Accompanying text said that after slowly inhaling, one individual held his breath for five seconds, with the entire procedure completed in 20 seconds.
Chinese regulators approved the vaccine for use as a booster in September.
[Source : abc.net.au]
