China begins using world's 1st inhalable COVID-19 vaccine

A group of workers in protective suits against COVID-19 in China.

(Image credit: Kyodo News via Getty Images)

published 26 October 2022

Shanghai, China, on Wednesday became the first location in the world to begin administering an inhalable version of the COVID-19 vaccine, The Associated Press reported.

The vaccine is given in the form of a mist sucked into the mouth. It is available to residents of Shanghai free of charge, though it is currently only being given as a booster to those who have previously been vaccinated, according to a statement from Shanghai city officials obtained by AP.

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The new oral version is part of a push by Chinese officials to try and make "needle-free" vaccinations more widely available to the public. It comes as the country is still under a series of stringent COVID-19 regulations as part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's "zero-COVID" policy. While the strict lockdowns continue to be out of line with the rest of the world, China is among the globe's most inoculated nations, with 90 percent of eligible citizens fully vaccinated.

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Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.

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