1) A vaccine that can be inhaled is able to block animal-to-animal transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccine was developed by researchers from the University of Iowa and the University of Georgia. It fully protects mice from lethal COVID-19 transmission. Only one dose by inhalation is required.
2) The vaccine uses a harmless virus called parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5). PIV5 is related to common cold viruses and does not cause significant illness when it infects mammals. PIV5 is used to deliver the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into cells where it prompts an immune response that protects against COVID-19 infection.
Take-home summary: For folks afraid of needles, there might be a COVID-19 virus available in the future that you can take by inhaling through a nasal spray. Currently being test on animals, this vaccine has been successful in blocking transmission of COVID-19.
Journal source: Science Advances
Protection of K18-hACE2 mice and ferrets against SARS-CoV-2 challenge by a single-dose mucosal immunization with a parainfluenza virus 5–based COVID-19 vaccine
02 July 2021