In the article, titled "Self-Administered Patches Could Be the Future For Flu Vaccination", the idea of a substitute for a flu vaccine (via needle) is presented. Researchers in Atlanta conducted a study group where they had 100 people apply a small patch on to their own skin after being given brief instruction on how to do so. The patches did not have any vaccine in them, but were used as a test to see how well these inexperienced subjects would be at self application. Much to the researchers delight, the subjects were able to learn how to apply the patch quickly and with ease.
This plan of self-administered patches has a plethora of benefits. It would save physicians all over from the stress and time consumption that comes with distributing countless shots before and during every flu season. The patch is also virtually painless; the researches had the subjects rate it pain-wise on a scale of 1-100, and the average was just 1.5, quite low especially when compared to the average of 15 for a shot. In addition, it is already problematic that less than half of Americans get an annual flu vaccine. The flu can be vicious and knock people out for weeks at a time. With this new patch, the percent of Americans who take action to protect themselves is projected to increase significantly.
The use of a painless, simple patch as vaccination for the flu is becoming desired by more and more people. The researchers hope that in the next five years, the patches will be much more common. They are extremely practical, saving time and difficulty for parents to get the entire family to the doctors office. Hopefully the future of flue vaccines is promising, and these patches contribute to keeping people from getting the flu each year. This article really highlights the creative thinking that is constantly being used in the medical field, and the work that goes towards ending epidemics like the flu.
I think that this patch could be very successful in the future of medicine. I personally would administer it to myself if it meant that I didn't have to go through receiving a shot. I am wondering how it works. Do you press the side with sharp projections into your skin? It is a brilliant idea since many doctor's offices are running out of flu shots. It will also be one less thing you have to go see a doctor for and will create more time for doctors to treat sick patients. I am excited to see if this will be available in the upcoming flu season.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fantastic new invention, and it would be a big step forward in getting more people to get vaccinated against the flu. However, I do have a few questions that the article doesn't seem to consider. How much would these vaccinations cost? Would people be able to get them everywhere, or just at certain locations? And how effective is this method of application compared to the flu shot? All in all, though, it seems very promising.
ReplyDeleteSteph, really nicely written summary of the article. I particularly do not mind getting shots as much as many other people do, but I definitely see how the patch could be much more convenient to families because getting everyone to their doctor's office is a pain before or during flu season like you mentioned. My questions about the patches would be are they as effective as the flu and nasal mist, is it a live or active virus, what would the cost difference be, and would there be enough supply around for everyone who wanted them instead of the shot or nasal mist? This definitely relates to our class, just like you said because the flu is a big problem world wide and is extremely contagious, especially to those who do not have access to the flu shot or flu mist, or choose not to get either one of the preventative measures.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really cool idea! I had no idea that self-administerable vaccinations were a practice available in our near future. My only question is- how is this tiny patch equally as effective as an injection going directly into muscle? It seems odd that a tiny, painless patch could prevent the flu with just as much efficiency. Overall, though, if this actually works really well, the idea of a painless and self-administerable vaccine for the flu would really help more civilians have easy access to disease prevention.
ReplyDeleteWow what an interesting idea! I think that this could work well but I wonder how they could control how many strips a person can receive. Also what happens if a person applies it wrong? But it seems this could be the future of flu protection. I wonder what the cost differences are between shots and strips.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really great idea. Personally, I am not a fan of needles and I would be much happier using a patch like this one. While I, like Rachael and Anna, have questions about the effectiveness of the patch, I also wonder if this would be a financially sound option for most people. It will be interesting to see if this method is used during flu season next year.
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