Experimental technique for optimizing aerosolized vaccine efficacy by Erika J. Sandford.

Abstract

Vaccination via aerosol has been proven to be as safe, as effective, and more appropriate for transportation when compared with vaccination via injection. These advantages make aerosolized vaccinations a realistic alternative to traditional injection vaccines for the developing world, where cold chain systems are impractical and the use of hypodermic needles can be unsafe. However, more research is needed to determine optimal parameters for vaccine aerosolization. This thesis presents an experimental setup to test Aerovax, a device designed to deliver aerosolized vaccinations in developing regions of the world. The experimental technique is the first effort to optimize vaccine aerosols across multiple variables, including input pressure, nebulizer geometry, and vaccine reconstitution. The setup provides a pressure input, sensors for ambient properties, and a device to measure particle size distribution.