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Inspired by breath strips, scientists break away from needing a ‘cold chain’ to deliver vaccines

Most vaccines must be kept cold to be effective. Researchers have developed a workaround for delivery to hotter climates — inspired by Listerine breath strips.

A version of this story appeared in STAT’s Morning Rounds newsletter. Sign up here to receive it in your inbox.

One of the many challenges in developing and delivering vaccines where they are needed is keeping them at the right temperature at the right price. Most vaccines, especially ones made from weakened forms of living viruses, must be kept cold to be effective.

Scientists have tried many strategies to get around the need for a “cold chain” from supplier to patient, but their workarounds have emerged.

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