The flu shot may soon be replaced by a patch that would deliver the vaccine without any pain, according to researchers.

The new patch, being developed at Emory University, has ten rows of ten microneedles.  These microneedles are said to be invisible to the naked eye and deliver the vaccine without even so much as feeling a prick.  The needles dissolve on contact with the skin.

The patch is so easy to apply, researchers are optimistic that it will soon be available for self vaccination.  Lead researcher Sean Sullivan said, “We envision people getting the patch in the mail or at a pharmacy and then self-administering it at home.”

The vaccine patch is still in its initial testing phase, which includes mice only, but that could change soon.  “We hope there could be some studies in humans within the next couple of years.” said Professor Richard Compans from Emory University Medical School.

So far the technology is only being tested for the flu vaccine, but researchers believe that the patch and its microneedles could be used with a number of other vaccinations.