Researchers at Oxford University in the UK are conducting tests to find out how effective nasal sprays are on humans.

Covid-19 vaccines may eventually be administered in the form of a nasal spray rather than an injection - and scientists believe this may be even more effective, reports an article in the British newspaper The Mirror. 

A clinical trial carried out by researchers at Oxford University is currently underway with the aim of understanding whether the spray with a "sweet taste" can prevent infection with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus without causing side effects.

The groundbreaking research is following 30 people who received liquid doses of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine. 

Another 12 are receiving the spray as a booster as part of phase 1 of the trial, in the hope that it can be administered to millions of people.

Currently, children are already vaccinated against influenza in this way, while sprays are also used to treat seasonal allergies. 

Volunteer Lyle Hopkins told ITV News that it was "much better" than he thought it would be, adding, "I thought I was going to feel a tingle or something, but I could barely taste it. It tasted sweet, it tasted sugary." 

Sandy Douglas, MD, who is leading the research, said the new spray could have a number of benefits - including making vaccines more 'appealing' to children and adults who don't like needles.

In the words of the clinician, "getting a vaccine in the nose, can be particularly good at creating an immune response that is targeted to the nose and particularly effective at blocking infections in that area." 

The scientist said it could still be a year before nasal sprays are available, and urged people to get vaccinated during this waiting time. 

Tests in hamsters and monkeys have suggested that nasal sprays may be effective in creating an effective antibody response.