Improvements for Future Vaccine Designs

Several ideas were proposed to further enhance vaccine administration efficiency and accessibility, especially during high-volume situations like clinics. One suggestion involved manufacturing prefilled syringes with preattached needles, eliminating even small preparation steps like attaching a needle. This would be particularly valuable when administering hundreds of vaccines in a short period. Additionally, ergonomic considerations were discussed, such as designing syringes better suited for individuals with larger hands or creating alternatives to accommodate various hand sizes for improved handling and comfort.

Further improvements focused on enhancing patient communication and experience. For instance, having large-print labels on prefilled syringes would help pharmacists verify and explain vaccine details more clearly, especially for older patients with visual impairments. Patient comfort was also addressed through suggestions like offering smaller needles or exploring needle-free options for those with needle phobia. While current needle-free devices may cause more discomfort, continued innovation in this area could reduce psychological barriers to vaccination for many hesitant individuals.

Lastly, the concept of shelf-stable vaccines in an auto-injector format, similar to an EpiPen, was introduced as a way to improve vaccine access, particularly in rural or underserved areas. This device could potentially be used for a range of vaccines, not limited to flu, shingles, or COVID-19. If proven feasible, it would enable patients to self-administer vaccines safely and easily, reducing dependence on health care facilities and increasing immunization rates where provider access is limited. These ideas collectively highlight opportunities for design, technology, and workflow innovations that could meaningfully enhance both provider efficiency and patient experience.