“Needles themselves are an instrument that people have such a fear with” – New trial for needle-free vaccines may help those with a phobia get boosters in the future

A trial for a new needle-free Covid-19 vaccine has begun which will help protect against future variants of coronavirus.

This new administrative technique will use a jet of air to supply the vaccine instead of the needle and it was developed by Professor Jonathan Heeney at Cambridge University.

The success of this trial would mean that individuals who suffer from a phobia of needles may find more comfort when going for vaccines in the future.

Dr Elaine Beaumont, psychotherapist and lecturer at the University of Salford said: “There has been an increase in referrals for people with needle phobias, which is understandable.

“I think initially it’s the anxiety that puts people off vaccines, mainly because often with something like a needle phobia you wouldn’t necessarily think that it’s a major problem until you needed to have a vaccine.

“I think it is a really good option because there is a lot of people who are really afraid of needles. Being able to get something that’s going to protect them is going to give their wellbeing a boost.”

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The new method uses a spring-powered jet to inject the vaccine directly into the patients skin, which does offer an alternative method for those who have a needle phobia.

Rhys Morgan, a 21-year-old Salford University student has had a fear of needles all his life, he said: “Needles themselves are an instrument that people have such a fear with, this needle free option may make it easier for more people to want to get vaccines and also even to volunteer at vaccination sites.

“If I knew about the needle free vaccine and I didn’t have to travel far for it then I would go get it done, but obviously because it is the norm to get needle vaccines and I’m sure in my life I would have to get many more needle injections ultimately it’s going to have to be me that changes and not the needle.”

The trial will involve participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years old and will take place at a clinic research facility in Southampton.