‘Single shot’ malaria vaccine delivery system could transform global immunisation

A new single-shot vaccine technology could eliminate the need for boosters and increase global immunization rates across various diseases, new research suggested. Most vaccines need boosters to strengthen the initial dose’s response.

But this poses logistical challenges, especially for poorer countries, requiring at least twice as many visits to health providers as a single jab: More than 20 million children miss routine vaccinations each year.

The new model uses degradable microcapsules which can be programmed to dissolve after a given time, releasing the second dose into the system when required; initial mouse trials with a malaria vaccine found it was almost as effective as the two-dose schedule.