Floss-based vaccines could offer protection without a needle (WISH) — Vaccines protect against more than 30 life-threatening diseases and prevent up to 5 million deaths each year, but a fear of needles keeps some people from seeking protection. Researchers at North Carolina State University are testing a new delivery method using an item found in most bathrooms: dental floss. Most vaccines for illnesses — including the flu, COVID-19, measles, shingles, tetanus, HPV, and RSV — require a needle in the arm. However, chemical engineer Harvinder Singh Gill and his team at North Carolina State University believe the small space between the teeth and gums provides a doorway for medicine. The permeable tissue in the gums allows vaccines to enter the body without a needle. This method triggers a mucosal immune response, providing protection where many viruses first attack, such as the nose, mouth, and lungs. “They should be able to just go and floss, and they have the vaccine administered,” Gill said. The floss-based approach offers several advantages, including the ability for people to administer the vaccine themselves. This would eliminate the need to wait in lines at clinics. Additionally, these vaccines would not require extra cold storage. “The future of vaccines, as I see it, is something where you are not afraid of taking vaccines,” Gill said. Early studies show promising results, and human trials are the next step for the research team. The approach is designed for older children and adults. It would not replace traditional shots for infants, who do not yet have teeth. How to choose a floss without PFAS and chemicals ...read more read less