Vaccine plasters could spell the end for childhood jabs
A young Gambian receives the plaster vaccine (Picture: LSHTM)Childhood vaccines could soon be given painlessly in the form of plasters delivered in the post instead of jabs at the GP.Results from a milestone trial have shown the patches are just as safe and effective at protecting against measles and rubella as injections, instead using microscopic needles to deliver the vaccine through the skin. Similar technology is used in skin patches designed to monitor blood sugar levels.Unlike traditional