The Disposable Syringe Jet Injector (DSJI) Project is supporting clinical research on the delivery of vaccines with jet injectors. Some of our work includes:

Influenza vaccine. Seasonal influenza vaccine is often omitted from national immunization programs. This study is examining the safety and effectiveness of flu vaccine when given to toddlers in the Dominican Republic. This study tests whether a fractional dose given intradermally by jet injector works as well as a full dose given with a standard delivery method. More information about the influenza vaccine research is available on the U.S. National Institutes of Health's ClinicalTrials.gov website.

Inactivated polio vaccine. Inactivated polio vaccine has a long history of safety and effectiveness; furthermore,it will be critical following the eradication of polio worldwide. Intradermal delivery at reduced doses could stretch vaccine supplies and reduce costs to programs, improving access to this important vaccine within developing countries. Jet injectors, which offer a simple approach to intradermal injection, could facilitate uptake of this vaccination strategy. More information about the inactivated polio vaccine research is available on the World Health Organization website.

Intradermal delivery landscape. In conjunction with Project Optimize, the DSJI project supported a literature review to evaluate the landscape of intradermal vaccine research. The resulting report provides an overview of clinical research on intradermal vaccination and intradermal delivery devices and reviews the vaccines which are most appropriate for future research on intradermal delivery for use in developing-country immunization programs.

Potential future research

The DSJI project plans to conduct several clinical studies using common childhood vaccines to demonstrate the technology’s performance as a replacement for traditional needles and syringes. Some possible research targets include:

  • Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. The DSJI project is planning to examine safety and effectiveness of the vaccine when delivered by jet injector.
  • Yellow fever vaccine. Given in endemic areas of Brazil, there are periodic shortages of this vaccine. This vaccine could be a potential application for reduced-dose intradermal delivery by jet injector. More information is available from PATH's Vaccine Resource Library.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine. This common childhood vaccine has also been a subject of intradermal delivery research. More information is available from PATH's Vaccine Resource Library.
  • DTP-Hib vaccine. This vaccine protects against diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). More information is available from PATH's Vaccine Resource Library.
  • BCG vaccine. More information is available from the World Health Organization website.

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