A new way to vaccinate through the mouth

Floss: a novel method for oral mucosal vaccination

['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH · NIH-11144916

This study is testing a new way to give vaccines through the mouth for kids under 11, making it easier and less painful than shots, while aiming to help their bodies fight off infections like HIV and the flu.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (RALEIGH, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11144916 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a novel method for delivering vaccines through the oral mucosa, specifically targeting children under 11 years old. By using the mouth as a vaccination route, the researchers hope to stimulate a strong immune response that can protect against infections like HIV and influenza. This method could be less painful and more acceptable for children compared to traditional injections. The study will explore how effectively vaccines can penetrate the buccal and sublingual mucosa to generate immunity not just locally, but also in other parts of the body.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are at risk for infections like HIV and influenza.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or those who do not have a risk of exposure to the targeted infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective and less painful vaccination method for children, enhancing their protection against serious infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using oral mucosal routes for vaccination, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

RALEIGH, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.