Covid vaccine spray could be more effective than injections, scientists say

Trials using the smallpox virus in mice offer hope for a cheap and easy ‘second generation’ vaccine, writes Peter Stubley

Researchers say their findings lay the groundwork for an aerosol spray vaccine (AFP/Getty)

Scientists are developing an inhaled Covid vaccine that could be more effective than an injection.

Researchers at MIT hope their “Trojan horse” delivery system will activate a strong immune response in the cells lining the airways to attack the virus as soon as it lands.

The team have successfully tested it for the smallpox virus in mice and are now turning their attention to coronavirus – although they believe their method could be also be used for flu, HIV and even preventing cancer.