Innovating polio immunization: evaluating needle-free delivery in Nigeria

A recent study published in Vaccines explores the impact of needle-free delivery of fractional dose inactivated polio vaccine (fIPV) on Nigeria’s routine immunization program. The research assesses the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and impact of using a WHO-prequalified, intradermal needle-free device, Tropis®, for fIPV administration.

The study found that needle-free IPV delivery was well-received by healthcare workers and caregivers, citing reduced pain and increased efficiency. This method also demonstrated improved coverage and the potential for cost savings, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

These findings suggest that integrating needle-free devices into immunization programs could enhance vaccine uptake and streamline delivery processes and adds to previous research that demonstrated that needle-free intradermal delivery improves coverage¹, is highly accepted by HCWs and caregivers¹, and reduces total immunization costs in campaign settings.² Additional published research shows the innovation can improve access in hard-to-reach areas because it is feasible for house-to-house administration.⁴ As global health initiatives aim to eradicate polio, such innovations may play a crucial role in overcoming logistical challenges and improving public acceptance

References

1. Daly, C., Molodecky, N. A., Sreevatsava, M., Belayneh, A. D., Chandio, S. A., Partridge, J., … & Mahamud, A. (2020). Needle-free injectors for mass administration of fractional dose inactivated poliovirus vaccine in Karachi, Pakistan: a survey of caregiver and vaccinator acceptability. Vaccine, 38(8), 1893-1898.
2. Mvundura, M., Hsu, J. S., Frivold, C., Kristensen, D., Boyle, S., Zehrung, D., & Jarrahian, C. (2019). Evaluating the cost per child vaccinated with full versus fractional-dose inactivated poliovirus vaccine. Vaccine: X, 2, 100032.
3. Nouh, K., Haga, A., Sumaili, K., Farid, M., Alin, M., Shube, M., … & Bile, A. (2024). Use of a fractional dose of inactivated polio vaccine (fIPV) to increase IPV coverage among children under 5 years of age in Somalia. BMC Global and Public Health, 2(1), 16.
4. Biya, O. (2023). Notes from the Field: House-to-House Campaign Administration of Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine—Sokoto State, Nigeria, November 2022. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72.

Thumbnail image credit: Study authors