Scientists are looking at whether the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine works as a nasal spray.
Experts at the University of Oxford will examine the level of immune system responses generated when the vaccine is administered through an "intranasal spray device". They'll also be looking at the safety of the method and any potential adverse reactions.
A total of 30 volunteers aged between 18 and 40 will receive the vaccine through a spray, similar to those you can get over-the-counter.
The Oxford-AstraZeneca jab is currently being delivered by intramuscular injection as part of the national rollout.
Dr Sandy Douglas, who is leading the study, said: "Some immunologists believe that delivering the vaccine to the site of infection may achieve enhanced protection, especially against transmission, and mild disease.
"We hope this small safety-focused study will lay the foundation for future larger studies that are needed to test whether giving the vaccine this way does protect against coronavirus infection."
He added: "There are a variety of people who will find an intranasal delivery system more appealing, which may mean vaccine uptake is higher in those groups.
"It might also have practical advantages - nasal sprays have been used successfully for other vaccines, for example the flu vaccine used in UK schools."
Dr Meera Madhavan, lead clinical research fellow at the Jenner Institute, said: "This study will help us to understand the safety of, and side-effects associated with, giving the Oxford/ AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine by nasal spray.
"It is an important first step towards increasing our range of options for curtailing the spread and impact of Covid-19 globally."
