Vaccine patches are safe, effective and easy for older adults to use
Innovative Vaccination Delivery: Microarray Patches for Better Outcomes in Older Adults
Vaccines are a cornerstone of public health. However, traditional vaccination with a needle and syringe can pose barriers for older adults seeking routine and pandemic vaccines, to help protect against severe disease associated with infections such as the flu or COVID-19. Long wait times, limited mobility, discomfort, and the need for healthcare visits can make the process inconvenient. However, microarray patches (MAPs), which use tiny micro-projections to deliver vaccines directly to the skin, could provide an easier, more accessible alternative.
MAPs offer many potential benefits, including self-administration, higher vaccination rates, cost savings, and storage without refrigeration. They may be a game-changer, especially for older adults more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.
But how well do microarray patches work for this group?
A recent study, published in Vaccine, led by Sydney ID's Dr Cristyn Davies, followed a single-arm intervention design, meaning all participants received the same treatment. The participants were divided into age groups, 50–64, 65–74, and 75+, to understand how the patches performed across a broad spectrum of older adults.
Each participant had two application procedures: a trained professional applied an excipient-coated HD-MAP to the participant’s forearm and upper arm and self-administered the patch to the same areas on the other arm, allowing us to evaluate whether they could use the MAP independently. In addition to measuring skin responses, participants completed an online survey and participated in interviews to provide insights into the patches' acceptability and usability.
Our study yielded promising results, demonstrating that high-density microarray patches (HD-MAPs) are safe and effective in older adults when applied by a trained user and self-administered.
Our study shows that vaccine patches are safe, effective, and easy for older adults to use. Older adults could self-administer the vaccine patch, and most would prefer it over vaccination with an injection in the future. Given that older adults are more vulnerable to infectious diseases and generally less mobile, this novel technology may be a game changer during a pandemic and for routine vaccination.
Key findings
The HD-MAP was safe and well-tolerated by all participants, with no serious adverse reactions. Both trained and self-administered applications were similarly effective in engaging the skin.
98% of participants preferred the ability to self-administer the MAP at home, citing convenience and independence as key factors.
Every participant found the HD-MAP applicator easy to use, demonstrating that it was accessible, even for those with limited manual dexterity.
82% of participants were comfortable with the temporary skin marks left by the micro-projections, indicating minimal cosmetic concerns.
82% of participants said they would prefer receiving a vaccine via HD-MAP if its efficacy were equivalent to traditional injections.
Working with our industry partner Vaxxas and collaborators, we were able to trial the microarray patch with older adults in this study. Vaxxas is commercialising a novel vaccination technology that enhances the performance of existing and next-generation vaccines.
As Australia's ageing population grows, innovative technologies that support us to age well are becoming increasingly important. This study highlights some of the potential benefits that government, healthcare systems, and individuals could realise if needle-free technology was part of the way we vaccinate in the future.
Watch Dr Cristyn Davies #WeAreSydneyID video to learn more about microarray patches and her research
Acknowledgements
This study was made possible by the generous support of the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), Vaxxas, and the Peter Weiss AO Lung Disease Research Fund, through the University of Sydney and Westmead Institute for Medical Research.
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