Vaccines are biological preparations that protect humans from viral and bacterial infections. Vaccines come in a variety of forms, including inactivated/killed vaccines, live/attenuated vaccines, toxoid vaccines, and conjugate vaccines. Vaccines are administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously with a syringe or needle. Novel vaccine delivery technologies, such as needle-free technologies, are being used effectively in mass immunization program. It helps to reduce the risk of needle stick injuries and the complications that can arise from the repeated use of a single needle. In addition, jet injectors, disposable syringes, microneedles, and intradermal delivery devices for inactivated poliovirus vaccines are available. In early September 2020, a multi-organizational working group was formed with the task of estimating the costs of delivering COVID-19 vaccines in Advance Market Commitment (AMC) countries. The group's first, rapid estimates were released at the end of September 2020. COVID-19 vaccine delivery costs vary by country due to price differences, diverse healthcare structures, and disparate vaccine delivery strategies. Delivery costs are defined as the costs of administering the vaccine excluding vaccine supplies. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) analysis, syringes and safety boxes were also excluded because they will be bundled with COVID-19 vaccines. When existing health system components are leveraged and costs are valued in financial terms, the estimated costs represent the additional health sector expenses required for vaccine delivery. Total financial costs - including country, regional, and global level costs - amount to US$ 2.018 Bn, equivalent to US$ 1.66 per dose supplied and US$ 3.70 per person vaccinated with two doses. The costs per dose supplied were calculated by dividing total costs by the total number of doses supplied (1.219 billion doses). The total cost of delivering 1,219 million doses at the country level was estimated to be US$ 1.722 billion Bn. The initial costs for activities and investments that must be put in place before vaccination can begin total US$576 Mn.

Technology is not a silver bullet but involvement is the key

Crises always attract technology solutions, with varying degrees of success. To balance the opportunities and risks associated with digital solutions, countries must make informed, context-appropriate technology and design decisions. According to a World Bank Group report, digital solutions can support functions throughout the vaccine deployment lifecycle, from planning and management to supply and distribution, program delivery, and post vaccination. The implementation of digital solutions necessitates the establishment of safeguards. This includes ensuring data protection and cyber security, especially given the increase in cyber-attacks on the health sector during the pandemic. In this regard, the use of decentralized technologies for digital vaccine certificates allows people to gain control over their personal data. It also covers digital inclusion. Anything digital must be accompanied by analogue alternatives, especially for those who do not have access to the internet or phones, as well as those with low digital literacy and skills. This includes offline registration, paper vaccine certificates, and not requiring specific IDs to access vaccination program, among other things. Digital solutions can help with functions ranging from planning and management to supply and distribution, program delivery, and post-vaccination.

Market Dynamics

The increasing interest of national institutions, organizations, and key companies in novel delivery technologies is a critical factor driving market growth. Also rising numerous international organizations and governments are increasingly spending on vaccination programs, increase in the adoption of needle free technology, rising rapid advancement of technology in systematic delivery of vaccines such as micro-needles and electroporation, rising use of micro-needles due to the increasing demand for the painless self-administration by the patients are the major factors among others driving the vaccine delivery devices market. Furthermore, rising technological advancements and modernization in vaccine production, rising R&D activities in the healthcare sector, and rising emerging markets will create new opportunities for the COVID-19 vaccine delivery devices market. However, rising micro-needle costs, particularly in emerging markets, will obstruct market growth and further challenge the growth of the COVID-19 vaccine delivery devices market during the forecast period.

Market Segmentation

The global COVID-19 vaccine delivery devices market is segmented based on devices and route of administration. The devices are segmented as syringes, jet injectors, and others. By route of administration, the market is segregated as intradermal vaccination, intramuscular vaccination, subcutaneous vaccination, and other vaccinations.

In terms of devices, the syringes segment has held a dominant market share in the past and is expected to do so again during the forecast period. Vaccines are most commonly administered using syringes. Because they are inexpensive and effective, they are widely used in routine immunization and mass vaccination program. Syringes that are novel and technologically advanced, such as auto-disposable syringes and prefilled syringes, are gaining popularity. By route of administration, the intramuscular segment is expected to dominate the market with a sizable market share. The vast majority of vaccines are administered intramuscularly. This method of administration reduces adverse reactions at the injection site. Intramuscular injections are popular because they deliver medications deep within muscle tissues, resulting in rapid absorption.

Regional Overview

North America is expected to account for the largest market share in the global COVID-19 vaccine delivery devices market. The market has grown due to well-developed healthcare infrastructure and a high level of public awareness about vaccines. Furthermore, increased R&D investments for new vaccine innovations are contributing to market growth. The Asia-Pacific region, on the other hand, is expected to be the fastest growing. The expansion can be attributed to a large patient pool and high unmet vaccine needs, as well as the region's improving infrastructure.

Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is expected to have the fastest growing CAGR in the coming years. This is due to the region's large patient pool, growing target population, high unmet needs, and improving infrastructure.

Competitive Landscape

The prominent players of the global COVID-19 vaccine delivery devices market involve Becton Dickinson & Company,  Bioject Medical Technologies, Inc. (Inovio Pharmaceutical Inc.), PharmaJet, Vaxxas, Gerresheimer AG, SCHOTT AG, Corium International, Inc., 3M, and among others.

Market Segmentation

Market By Devices

Syringes
Jet Injectors
Others

Market By Route of Administration

Intradermal Vaccination
Intramuscular Vaccination
Subcutaneous Vaccination
Other Vaccinations

Market By Geography

North America
•    U.S.
•    Canada

Europe
•    U.K.
•    Germany
•    France
•    Spain
•    Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific
•    China
•    Japan
•    India
•    Australia
•    South Korea
•    Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America
•    Brazil 
•    Mexico
•    Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa
•    GCC
•    South Africa
•    Rest of Middle East & Africa