Half of vaccines are binned - this plant could change that

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August 5, 2026·1 min read·Updated 23 hours ago

This image shows a healthcare setting with a seated adult receiving an injection in the upper arm from a healthcare worker wearing gloves and a disposable protective apron. A second healthcare worker stands nearby holding paperwork or a clipboard, appearing to document or monitor the procedure. The scene takes place beside a hospital-style bed and is partially enclosed by blue privacy curtains. The color palette is dominated by blue, grey, and white tones, with bright indoor lighting illuminating the room and medical equipment visible in the background. The photograph focuses on the administration of a vaccine and the interaction between healthcare staff and the seated patient. — Image caption, Hannah Kedzia taking part in the clinical trial in April 2025BBC News

Prof Saul Faust, the director of the NIHR Clinical Research Facility in Southampton, said it gave "equivalent" immune responses to the conventional vaccine as well as being "safe and well tolerated" in the early stage studies.

Faust added: "This obviously has potential to remove cold chain dependence, reduce wastage and improve access."

A larger trial involving 160 people is already due to start in the coming months.

This would be the final stage of research as the original vaccine is already approved and licensed so there is no requirement to perform large-stage trials needed for a novel vaccine.

The studies are being done to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) goal of a vaccine that survives at 30C and 75% relative humidity.

But the research team say separate data shows the components of their vaccine also survive cycling between temperatures of -20C and +40C. That could mean the vaccine being viable after transport in a cold aircraft hold and then in the back of a truck in the heat.

There is not one single reason vaccines are wasted and disposed of, but the WHO estimates this is the fate of half of all vaccines globally. This can include damage in transport, passing the expiration date, and unused doses from multi-dose vials, but a major factor are failures in the cold chain.

Reporting from BBC News contributed to this story.