Why in News:

• India’s first intra-nasal vaccine – delivered through the nose instead of a shot in the arm – has received approval from the country’s apex drug regulator for emergency use in adults.

The need

• With the vaccine being delivered through a nasal spray, it will do away with the need for needles and syringes currently required for all the Covid-19 vaccines available. It will also reduce dependence on personnel trained to give shots.
• As the vaccine is given nasally, it triggers an immune response in the mucosal membrane.
• Being an intranasal vaccine, it  may produce local antibodies in the upper respiratory tract which may provide the potential to reduce infection and transmission.
• This step will further strengthen collective fight against the pandemic.

Reference:

1. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health-specials/india-gets-first-covid-19-nasal-vaccine-why-it-could-reduce-infection-stop-transmission-8134676/