Vacc-Stamp is stamp-style vaccine syringe for babies. Since it does not look like a traditional syringe, it eases some of the stress of receiving a shot—for both the baby and the mother. The micro needle also reduces the baby’s pain when the shot is administered and prevents secondary infection. It features a window that displays an image after the injection takes place that can ease a mother’s concern about whether the doctor used the appropriate dose.
When a vaccine is being administered, babies start crying before the needle is even inserted, leaving babies’ mothers in distress too. There are also media reports that doctors in areas where medical support is lacking sometimes don’t inject the full dose so the vaccine can be administered to more children. Also, syringes that are improperly disposed of present a health hazard to humans and animals. Reports have shown that used syringes that have been dumped into the ocean sometimes find their way into marine animals.
Vacc-Stamp seeks to eliminate these shortcomings of traditional vaccine administration. It is a self-contained one-time-use-only device that simplifies the vaccination process by combining all the steps into one unit. The smooth plastic shell contains a single vaccination dose, micro needle, disinfectant stamp and soft patch-like surface where the device comes in contact with the skin. The softness of the patch feels soothing to a baby, starting the procedure without any distress. The stamp dispensed on the baby’s skin prior to the injection disinfects the skin and afterward prevents secondary infection of the vaccination site. To dispense the vaccine, the doctor simply presses the buttons on either side of Vacc-Stamp. It uses a micro needle, which is less painful than a traditional syringe, reducing or even eliminating pain and discomfort.
Since Vacc-Stamp contains a single preloaded dose, mothers need not worry if doctors have dispensed the proper amount. Once the dosage has been administered, a symbol appears on the top of the plastic case, giving mothers added assurance. The device is also preprinted with the name of the vaccination, so mothers can see what vaccine their child is receiving. Since Vacc-Stamp is designed for a single use, mothers can keep the used device, once medical staff remove the needle, as a record of the vaccination.
Vacc-Stamp’s unique approach eliminates babies’ trauma when receiving a vaccination while removing mothers’ worries and helping them keep track of their children’s vaccination history. The device also helps build people’s trust in doctors and helps keep disposable syringes out of the environment.