Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new intranasal COVID-19 vaccine and are initiating a Phase 2b clinical trial this Fall. This spray vaccine, created by UGA startup CyanVac, will be compared to an existing mRNA vaccine in terms of safety and effectiveness. The trial will involve 10,000 participants and is sponsored by the federal Project NextGen which aims to develop new COVID-19 treatments.
The development of intranasal vaccines, delivered via nasal spray instead of injection, has sparked hope for overcoming vaccine hesitancy. However, the question remains: will people trust this new method more than traditional vaccines, particularly within the Black community where vaccine hesitancy has been a longstanding concern?
What causes vaccine hesitancy?
Fears surrounding traditional COVID-19 vaccines stem from a complex mix of factors. Some worry about the rapid development process, questioning long-term safety despite rigorous testing. Misinformation online fuels anxieties about side effects, often exaggerated or based on faulty data.
Proponents of intranasal vaccines highlight their potential advantages. Firstly, they might provide more targeted immunity, particularly for respiratory illnesses. Traditional intramuscular vaccines stimulate a systemic immune response throughout the body. Intranasal vaccines, however, could trigger a stronger mucosal immune response in the nose and lungs, the very first points of entry for respiratory viruses, making an intranasal COVID-19 vaccine promising. This localized defense system could prevent infection altogether, whereas traditional vaccines focus on fighting the virus after it has entered the body. Secondly, the needle-free approach could address needle phobia, a contributing factor to vaccine hesitancy.
Vaccine hesitancy and the Black community
There’s reason to believe these advantages might resonate with the Black community. Vaccine hesitancy within this group stems from a complex history of medical mistrust, including unethical experimentation and exploitation in research studies. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study, for example, stands as a stark reminder of these injustices. Intranasal vaccines, as a novel approach, might be viewed with some skepticism due to a lack of long-term safety data. Building trust through transparent communication and community engagement will be crucial.
Furthermore, addressing historical wrongs goes beyond simply introducing a new vaccine type. Structural racism within the healthcare system continues to fuel vaccine hesitancy. Black communities often face unequal access to quality healthcare and experience higher rates of vaccine-preventable diseases. Efforts to improve access and build trust with Black doctors and healthcare providers are essential for overcoming hesitancy.
Are intranasal vaccines more effective?
There’s also the question of how effective intranasal vaccines will be compared to traditional ones. Research on intranasal vaccines is ongoing, with some studies in mice showing promising results. However, replicating this success in humans and ensuring long-term efficacy will require further research. Prematurely promoting intranasal vaccines as a “magic bullet” could erode trust if they don’t meet expectations.
Ultimately, trust in both traditional and intranasal vaccines hinges on clear and consistent communication from scientists and public health officials. Addressing historical injustices and ongoing healthcare disparities within the Black community is paramount. Open dialogue about the development and testing of intranasal vaccines, along with ensuring equitable access to healthcare, will be critical factors in building trust and overcoming vaccine hesitancy. While intranasal vaccines hold promise, they are not a silver bullet. Building trust through transparency, addressing historical wrongs, and tackling healthcare disparities within the Black community will remain key.
“The world needs to address the root causes of vaccine hesitancy,” Dr.Anita Sreedhar and Anand Gopal wrote in an op-ed in the New York Times in 2021. “We can’t go on believing that the issue can be solved simply by flooding skeptical communities with public service announcements or hectoring people to ‘believe in science.’”
While more research is needed, the unique delivery method of intranasal vaccines and the potential for stronger localized immunity make them a promising avenue for the future.