Mr Matthew Berger1,2, Ms Cristyn Davies1,3, A/Prof Sara Knox1,4, Dr Erin Mathieu5, Prof S. Rachel Skinner1,6,7
1Speciality of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University Of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
2Centre for Population Health, Western Sydney Public Health Unit, North Parramatta, Australia,
3Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
4School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, Australia
5Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
6Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
7Kids Research, Children’s Hospital Westmead, Sydney Children’s Hospital’s Network, Westmead, Australia
Introduction: Vaxxas is developing a High-Density Microarray Patch (HD-MAP) for vaccination using micro-projections to deliver vaccine to the epidermis and upper dermis. Clinical studies have shown HD-MAP vaccines to be well tolerated, safe, and highly immunogenic in healthy adults. We aimed to explore usability, acceptability, and safety of excipient-coated HD-MAP in older adults aged over 50 years.
Methods: As part of a clinical study, participants had two HD-MAPs administered to their dominant arm by a trained provider, then self-administered two HD-MAPs to their non-dominant arm. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on day 0 and 28. Thematic analysis was used to explore perceptions and experiences of HD-MAP.
Results: We recruited 44 older adults in 3 age strata: 50-64 years (n = 17), 65-74 years (n = 16), and ≥75 years (n = 11). Participants made the following observations about HD-MAPs: (1) potential for mass administration may increase access, (2) reduced burden on health services with lay administration, and (3) convenience of self-administration. The HD-MAP had potential for mass distribution to low resource settings given its thermostability and potential for lay person administration. Participants reported that the HD-MAP may reduce healthcare burden as trained users could administer the vaccine patch in addition to professional immunisers. The HD-MAP was convenient as older adults could self-administer reducing the need for clinic appointments.
Conclusion: HD-MAPs may enable improved access to vaccinations and improve willingness to be vaccinated. In a pandemic, HD-MAP may be an acceptable alternative to needle and syringe particularly in older and vulnerable populations.
Biography: Matthew Berger is a PhD Candidate and Research Officer at The University of Sydney Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School. He currently works in infectious diseases at the Centre for Population Health, Western Sydney Public Health Unit.
Matthew specialises and has a background in infectious diseases having completed the Master of Science in Medicine (Infection and Immunity) and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology. Matthew’s research interests include infectious diseases, vaccines and vaccinology, and sexual health. Matthew’s PhD focusses on investigating the usability and acceptability of the High-Density Microarray Patch (HD-MAP) for vaccination.