Several districts in Guangzhou have started administering an inhalable COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose since this month, giving residents a needle-free option to fend off the virus, which has become particularly popular among the elderly.

Exhale deeply, inhale from a cup-like device, hold for five seconds, then breathe normally. That's it. Within seconds, the inhaled aerosolized COVID-19 vaccine reaches the upper respiratory tract and lungs, where immunity is triggered.
"There wasn't any discomfort during the process. The inhalable vaccine saves us old people a lot of trouble of taking off our clothes for vaccination in the cold winter," said Ms Ou, a local senior aged 88, at a community vaccination site in Baiyun district.
A few recipients shared the feelings that trying this new type of vaccine was very interesting and it even tasted a little sweet.

Developed by Chinese company CanSino Biologics, the aerosolized adenovirus type-5 vector-based COVID-19 vaccine (Ad5-nCoV) provides a non-invasive option. It uses a nebulizer to change liquid into aerosol for inhalation through the mouth, according to the company.
Compared with intramuscular injection, the inhalable vaccine requires only one-fifth of its dosage. It can only be used as a booster dose for now, and adults aged 18 years and above can choose this vaccine as an alternative. 
The inhalable vaccine is now available in Guangzhou's Liwan, Yuexiu, Haizhu, Baiyun, Panyu and Huangpu districts, and has been proved as safe and effective as injected ones.